Husien Abu-Rayash, a candidate to run for Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives, stated he’ll “not be intimidated” by the outgoing Nepean MPP.
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Printed Jan 09, 2025 • Final up to date 8 hours in the past • 2 minute learn
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Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod at a rally opposing tent constructions for newcomers in November 2024 on the Nepean Sportsplex. Picture by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA
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Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod has apologized for a social media put up that claimed one of many folks vying for her seat helps Sharia regulation.
The outgoing Progressive Conservative MPP posted on the social media web site X on Jan. 7, sharing a hyperlink to the web site of Husein Abu-Rayash, together with the remark, “Hey Nepean? If you support Sharia Law … next PC Candidate for Nepean could be…”
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Sharia is a physique of non secular regulation that’s a part of the Islamic religion, based mostly on the Qu’ran and different spiritual texts.
A now-deleted put up from Lisa MacLeod accuses a person in search of the nomination to run for her seat in Nepean of selling Sharia Regulation.
Abu-Rayash demanded an apology and for the put up to be eliminated, saying MacLeod may face authorized repercussions for defamation.
Abu-Rayash is in search of the Progressive Conservative nomination for the Nepean driving, as MacLeod introduced in 2024 that she wouldn’t be in search of re-election. She has represented the driving since 2006.
In his personal social media put up the next day, Abu-Rayash stated it was “deeply disappointing” that MacLeod “has chosen to interfere in Nepean’s nomination process by spreading defamatory, hateful, and Islamophobic rhetoric against me.”
It’s deeply disappointing that @MacLeodLisa has chosen to intervene in Nepean’s nomination course of by spreading defamatory, hateful, and Islamophobic rhetoric towards me. That is unacceptable.
I’m a proud father, conservative, Muslim and former reservist who has all the time… pic.twitter.com/i5KhgZlDWi
— Husien Abu-Rayash (@HA3420994537240) January 8, 2025
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“I am a proud father, conservative, Muslim and former reservist who has always sought to contribute to our beautiful country,” he wrote. “I will not be intimidated or allow anyone to undermine my reputation and integrity.”
He accused MacLeod of interfering with the nomination course of, saying it was “time for her to step back and let the people of Nepean decide who their candidate should be.”
Abu-Rayash additionally posted a libel letter to MacLeod despatched from his lawyer Mark Bourrie, saying her feedback had been an assault on Abu-Rayash’s faith and “a crude and heavy-handed attempt to defame him.”
Abu-Rayash’s web site accommodates no data that he helps Sharia regulation, the letter says.
The letter continues, “your attempt to portray Mr. Abu-Rayash as an Islamic extremist contrasts sharply with the record. Mr. Abu-Rayash is a life-long conservative, member of the Canadian Forces reserve and a valued member of the Nepean community.”
The letter stated MacLeod ought to instantly delete the put up and “set the record straight,” in addition to apologize to Abu-Rayash, or doubtlessly face defamation claims.
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MacLeod’s apology on social media stated it was not her intention to “mislead or hurt anyone,” however stated she acknowledged her feedback had been “inappropriate.”
“I have been on the receiving end of unfair comments myself and should have done better. This experience has reminded me of the importance of thoughtful and accurate communication,” she wrote.
I need to apologize for remarks I made in my 7 January X put up about Husien Abu-Rayash. Whereas it was not my intention to mislead or harm anybody, I acknowledge that my feedback had been inappropriate. I’ve been on the receiving finish of unfair feedback myself and may have performed…
— Lisa MacLeod (@MacLeodLisa) January 8, 2025
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MacLeod’s preliminary put up was denounced by many, with Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s first Particular Consultant on Combatting Islamophobia, calling it Islamophobic.
“No @MacLeodLisa. Your comments don’t represent my Nepean,” Ottawa metropolis Coun. David Hill posted on-line.
The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford to take away MacLeod from the Progressive Conservative caucus, calling her remarks “deeply concerning” and perpetuating dangerous stereotypes that marginalize Muslim communities.
“We urge all politicians to promote inclusivity and understanding, fostering a Canada where diversity is celebrated and discrimination is actively challenged. This is not the Ontario we know and love,” the council stated.
The Nationwide Council of Canadian Muslims additionally was “profoundly disappointed” by MacLeod’s put up.
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