Speaker of Ontario Legislature Upholds Keffiyeh Scarf Ban Despite Premier’s Protest

The speaker of the Ontario Legislature has upheld a ban on wearing keffiyeh scarves in the chamber, after failing to get a unanimous vote on the issue as politicians from various parties, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have criticized the policy. On April 18, Speaker Ted Arnott addressed the legislature on the issue, stating that he had received letters from the NDP and the Greens to permit the wearing of the keffiyeh, a scarf worn by Palestinians and their supporters. “As always, any member may seek the unanimous consent of the House to wear clothing, buttons, ribbons etc. which may fall outside the established rules or customs of the House. If a member sought unanimous consent to wear a kaffiyeh, and if the House were to grant such consent, I would obviously accept the decision of the House,” Mr. Arnott said....