NCCM condemns vandalism of Ottawa Church

-For Immediate Release-

(Ottawa – January 19, 2015) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent civil liberties & advocacy organization, condemns the recent vandalism of the Parkdale United Church in Ottawa.

According to a media report, the church was spray-painted with racial slurs. The graffiti was discovered shortly after signs promoting a special Martin Luther King Day service were posted.

“The NCCM stands united with our fellow Canadians in categorically denouncing this act of hatred and intimidation. An attack on one Canadian is an attack on all of us,” says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee.

“Elected officials and security officials in Ottawa, as well as the provincial and federal governments, must continue to work together to relentlessly combat all forms of xenophobia, racism and hate.. We call on the authorities to prosecute the perpetrators of these acts to the fullest extent of the law in order to send a strong message against hate crimes.

“We also urge community leaders to remain vigilant and to immediately report suspicious behaviour to the authorities in order to establish a clear record of such incidents,” says Gardee.

In January of 2011, NCCM issued a Statement on the Sanctity of Sacred Spaces.  An updated version can be read here. In June of 2015 the NCCM launched a national hate crimes awareness campaign with allies from different communities.

The NCCM is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit grassroots advocacy organization. It is a leading voice for Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.

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