No Religious Arbitration

In late 2003, the Ontario Islamic Institute of Civil Justice announced that it intended to establish a “sharia court” that would offer legally binding arbitration to Muslim families. As a result of this declaration, Canada and the province of Ontario engaged in intensive rounds of debate concerning the highly controversial recognition and application of religious based laws (Christian, Jewish and Muslim) to private and family affairs.

Surrounded by widespread media attention which centered on multiculturalism, Islam and the rights of women and minorities; opponents and proponents of religious arbitration included those from within and outside the Muslim community. Our organization which continued to affirm its commitment to the empowerment of Canadian Muslim women and their families took the lead on establishing a coalition against No Religious arbitration. Composed of over 50 sister organizations, including the National Association of Women and the Law (NAWL), METRAC and the YWCA, the No Religious Arbitration movement and CCMW’s work represented an array of complex issues and events. For more information on our involvement, please click on the resources below.

Download Resources:

The Reception of Muslim Family Law in Western Liberal States - Pascale Fournier
Dispute Resolution in Family Law Protecting Choice, Promoting Inclusion
NAWL Research Arbitration and Religion EN

Additional Resources:

Thank You Letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty from No Religious Arbitration Coalition
Sample Letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty Regarding the Arbitration Act (May 2005)
Declaration on Religious Arbitration in Family Law (June 2005)
CCMW Toronto Star Article The Laws of the Land Must Protect All of Us June 2004
CCMW Submission to Marion Boyd Review of the Ontario Arbitration Act and Arbitration Processes Specifically in Matters of Family Law (July 2004)
Open Letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty and Attorney General Michael Bryant (January 2005)