Protestors for and against a Parliamentary motion condemning Islamophobia chanted against each other outside Saskatoon city hall Saturday afternoon.
The motion, labelled M-103, calls on Parliament to condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination.
It was put forward by Iqra Khalid, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erin Mills.
Rallies and counter-protests were held across the country protesting the motion, including Regina, Winnipeg and Montreal.
“I’m dead set opposed to neo-nazi terrorist groups spreading their hate and fear mongering in our country,” said Robert Rudachyk, a supporter of the motion.
20 anti-M103 supporters, part of a group called the Canadian Coalition of Concerned Citizens (CCCC) shouted “freedom of speech” and “shame on you” as they rallied in front of the Frances Morrison library.
“We shouldn’t have to worry about Islam coming over here and beheading our damn kids,” said Jesse St. Germain, who feels the motion will take away his freedom of speech. “If you don’t like where you live, well then go live where you like.
The protestors were separated by 23rd St. and seven Saskatoon Police officers throughout the day. The pro M103 supporters chanted outside the library, while the anti-M103 protestors chanted outside of city hall.
“They have every right to express their point of view this way and I respect that,” said Omaer Jamil. “I don’t agree with what they’re saying, but I wish they would let us educate them about the misconceptions around the Muslim faith.”
Protest at city hall #yxe one for m103 and want refugees, other has signs Canada first, four police officers separating crowd @CKOMNews pic.twitter.com/aMWMtjuX1N
— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) March 4, 2017
At one point a CCCC member came over to chat with pro M-103 supporters about the motion.
M103 supporter and guy against M103 come together to chat @CKOMNews #yxe pic.twitter.com/PBEWc0VHit
— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) March 4, 2017
Protestors on both sides were peaceful and police said they had no issues.
This was how the anti M103 group kicked off their protest in downtown #yxe today pic.twitter.com/cI6UvdOjYU
— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) March 4, 2017