Next Wednesday, I leave for a North American bridge tournament in Toronto. It will be my fourth in that city. I so look forward to it, because Toronto has always been cosmpolitan and beautiful and a great city to visit.
At least, it always was in the past.
Last night, I read this. All I could think was: the Toronto I have known is no longer.
It’s the scene every Friday at the cafeteria of Valley Park Middle School in Toronto. That’s not a private academy, it’s a public school funded by taxpayers. And yet, oddly enough, what’s going on is a prayer service – oh, relax, it’s not Anglican or anything improper like that; it’s Muslim Friday prayers, and the Toronto District School Board says don’t worry, it’s just for convenience: They put the cafeteria at the local imams’ disposal because otherwise the kids would have to troop off to the local mosque and then they’d be late for Lesbian History class or whatever subject is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
The picture is taken from the back of the cafeteria. In the distance are the boys. They’re male, so they get to sit up front at prayers. Behind them are the girls. They’re female, so they have to sit behind the boys because they’re second-class citizens – not in the whole of Canada, not formally, not yet, but in the cafeteria of a middle school run by the Toronto District School Board they most certainly are.
And the third row? The ones with their backs to us in the foreground of the picture? Well, let the Star’s caption writer explain:
At Valley Park Middle School, Muslim students participate in the Friday prayer service. Menstruating girls, at the very back, do not take part.
Oh. As Kathy Shaidle says:
Yep, that’s part of the caption of the Toronto Star photo.
Yes, the country is Canada and the year is 2011.
In America, we've had long and strong discussions about religion in schools. Some I know pump for allowing prayer in school; others are horrified. I've always taken the attitude that if students are given a minute or two for reflection, then such a time is acceptable. They can pray to God or Allah or think about an upcoming test - or an upcoming date.
But a prayer service for a specific religion? And one that separates the sexes? And one that does not allow menstruating girls to take part in the prayers as the other children do?
When I first read this, my immediate reaction was "Oh my God!" I must admit, in a second reading, my reaction has not changed.
What do liberals think? Are those who are horrified about a valedictorian saying "God" or "Jesus" in a graduation speech OK with this? What would they say about a born again prayer meeting that excluded gays and lesbians?
I will leave for Toronto Wednesday, and expect to have a wonderful time playing my favorite game and visiting with my friends from all over the world. But Toronto? It cannot be the same city I knew and loved.
Yes Canada used to be a liberal country. Now, however, they are led by Harper's conservative party.
Is this what happens when conservatives win power?
Posted by: jammen | Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 08:30 AM
Call me crazy - but - activities such as this one I do not believe are being supported by conservatives.
Posted by: Peg | Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 08:37 AM
When the percentage of Muslims reaches around 5%, as it is in Toronto, it is in the interests of the politicians to pander to them for votes.
This is what happens when a country embraces the idea of multiculturalism.
I get my Canada news from small dead animals, writing from Saskatchewan. Her tagline on multicultualism is, "I thought multiculturalism meant more pavilions at Folk Fest."
Posted by: Douglasbass | Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 10:55 PM
Excellent idea. They have to go to lots of prayer services, so it is convenient that the cafeteria can be set aside for that purpose without interfering with anyone's schooling.
Posted by: BensonBear | Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 10:57 PM
"They can pray to God or Allah" God, Allah, same thing, different name.
Posted by: BensonBear | Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 10:58 PM
"They can pray to God or Allah" God, Allah, same thing, different name.
Not all share your opinion, BensonBear.
Posted by: Peg | Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 10:59 PM
The services are during school hours. Jammen, education is a provincial matter in Canada, so Harper really has nothing to do with it.
Posted by: Paul Barnes | Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Your article is very good fit to be read because it adds new value to me
Posted by: Andy | Friday, July 15, 2011 at 03:18 AM