Sunday, Nov 18, 2007
Airport security guard Halima Muse, a devout Muslim, has been sent home without pay until she agrees to wear pants or a shorter skirt. We asked you whether you think her employer is justified. Here's what you had to say.
It looks to me like another case of Canadians who are not only expected to welcome immigrants but conform to every aspect of their beliefs as well. Integration when it comes to some Muslims is a one-way street. She, of all people fleeing from a country like Somalia, should have learned to be a little more tolerant of others and adjust to a new way of life after being given an opportunity to live in Canada.
Derrick Rodricks, Ottawa
Halima Muse accepted a job at the airport and worked at it more than 5 years, and she suddenly decides her uniform is not modest enough? Perhaps she should have addressed this issue when she was hired. Welcome to Canada - once a welcome mat and now a door mat.
Robyn Rood, Etobicoke
Cut the woman some slack. I could understand an issue of propriety if she or anyone else were wearing a mini that was four inches (long), but a skirt that is too long? Give me a break. What do they think she is going to be hiding under there besides her modesty?
Robert Kerrigan, Toronto
According to the article, Halima Muse has worked for Garda for over 5 years without her uniform being an issue - she wore slacks. Did she suddenly convert to (Islam) this February? Not according to the article. She suddenly had a change of heart in regards to her uniform - after over 5 years. I think she'd have more of a case had this happened right away, rather than wait more than 5 years. Why can't she wear baggy slacks?
Kristina Scazafavo, Pender Island, B.C.
It has nothing to do with whether the person is Muslim or any other belief. It is basically a form of bullying from employers as to what the employees need to wear.
Alex Wong, Richmond Hill
Despite what our "Canadian" government tries to say, Canadians do have an identity. And one of our characteristics is that we follow rules; we are a people of order. If Muslims or Catholics or Jews or any other religion decide that their beliefs do not fit in with an employer's rules, then they have the right to leave the employment, but not to change the employer's rules.
Richard Wright, Niagara on the Lake, Ont.
As an immigrant myself I am tired of all this nonsense. We are Canadians and should live and act accordingly. People who want to live here as they did in their birth country should stay there. After applying for a position in Canada shortly after emigrating in 1957 I was told to "come back after you have lost your accent." Try getting away with that today.
Carol Morris, Welland, Ont.
For years she worked in pants with no problem, and now that is not good enough? I think someone talked to her about human rights and getting a money settlement.
Bill Althuizen, London, Ont.
The lady should be allowed her dignity. According to the article, she is not compromising security or safety. She took the initiative and put in time, effort and money into the solution. She feels strongly enough about it to stay home from her job. The rule is obviously outdated and sexist. It should be changed.
Asghar Jafri, Mississauga
When you accept a job and the dress code is clearly spelled out then you should follow it. Religious beliefs have no place in the workplace. They belong in your own home on your own time and your place of worship.
Ruth McNeil, Toronto
If this is not a safety issue than they are not justified in suspending the employee. We need to remember that we are living in a multi-cultural society. I thought this was a dead issue after the RCMP indicated that Sikhs can wear turbans, which are not considered to be the standards issued RCMP uniforms. How could an employer say we will bend the rules for some cultures but not for others?
Michael Lee, Toronto
As a security guard in an airport, I would think the reasoning would be one more of safety (for a security guard) and hence the need for a shorter skirt and/or pants. I'm sure Ms. Muse was aware of the requirements when she accepted the position and had the opportunity to make her choice then. In accepting the position, she accepted the policies and procedures, as do we all, and exceptions should not be made based on religious or personal beliefs.
Geraldine Sinclair, Bradford
I live in the Middle East where resident expatriates are expected to conform to the sometimes stringent local sensitivities; and we are happy to do so accordingly in exchange for the benefits we reap from living and working in that part of the world. So why is it so appalling when newcomers to Canada are expected to conform similarly to their new environment? Those of us fortunate enough to be able to choose where we want to live should do so with a flexibility in our own conventions and respect for the norms of that particular society. It only seems fair.
Reema Padke, Dubai
The employer is out of touch with reality. The only way the length of dress would matter is if it some how created an unsafe condition for her or the public. I do not believe it is a case of religious discrimination. Women of many different religions and the non-religious also like to wear long skirts; they would likely be subject to the same disciplinary process.
Jim Richardson, Toronto
If Ms. Muse does not want to wear the uniform as every one else does than it is her choice and she should have the decency to leave that job. It is not the role of the employer to accommodate her or anyone else.
Sergio Borsatto, Grimsby, Ont.
If we were employed in Hamila's country, we would have to follow their rules and regulations. Hamila, you chose to come to Canada, you must learn to integrate and live like a Canadian. This goes for all immigrants.
Pauline Landry, Barrie, Ont.
Employers with a dress code require new employees to comply. I assume that when this person started work she was well informed of this code. Why, after a long period of employment, does her religion suddenly affect her dress at work? She should comply or leave her job. Canadians must hold fast and not keep changing our rules. If people don't like the way we live, then use your freedom to move to some place where you do fit in.
Anthony Wright, Picton, Ont.
The length of the skirt should only be an issue for the employer if its somehow related to safety. The RCMP were faced with a similar issue by a Sikh recruit who wanted to wear the turban as standard headgear and following an initial refusal was allowed to wear the headgear.
Barry Ruhl, Southampton, Ont.
A shorter skirt? What next, a pole for her to perform with? Who is not thinking clearly here?
Gerald Sedore, Keswick, Ont.
Since I am not aware of the facts of the case, it is hard to say. If it is a safety hazzard or affects her ability to do her job, then yes. If it is a matter of she looks, then no. I find that society gets too hung up on the way people look. If clothing or appearance does not affect the safety or job performance, then it is really a non issue.
Charlene Smith, Woodstock, Ont.
Has the world gone mad? Two more inches and you give a woman dignity, or if misinterpreted causes security risk? Who are these laws made for? One time women showing ankles was considered "unladylike" Today, unless your boobs are hanging out, you are not modern. Do we need to be "western" to be modern?
Anjum Anwar, Accrington, Lancashire, U.K.
They are absolutely not justified. Maybe legally they can do whatever they want in this case, however, this is not only a case of prejudice and racial discrimination but also sexist. Why do women have to wear skirts and show their legs? If she is not comfortable with it then she must be allowed to wear a longer skirt. This does not affect any safety of the airport and/or passenger. I am disgusted by this behaviour of the employer
Shahzad Qureshi, Brampton
I think here in this country they should follow our rules. If we were to go to their country do you think we could get away with what the immigrants get away with here in Canada?
Brian Anger, Welland, Ont.
Getting suspended because of an ankle-length skirt? If I am not mistaken, I believe all skirts worn in Canada prior to WWI were ankle length. This person is not wearing anything outlandish nor is she wearing anything which qualifies as a safety hazard. Anybody who has a problem with her dress is going to come up with inane reasons to promote Islamophobia.
Sam Villa, Toronto
It seems this woman knew there would be a uniform requirement when accepting employment. If she didn't like that uniform then she should not have applied for that job. Yes, we should all have a right to observe and practice our religious beliefs and rituals. But employers should not have to lose their right to establish guidelines and policies.
Robin Rosner, Cleveland, Ohio
When I was in high school, I applied for a job at a local cinema. The uniform required me to wear a mock turtle-neck sweater, which was of a fitted design. This was NOT flattering on my figure. I wore it, because it was part of the job. The people coming from other countries, march in here claiming they want a better life, yet continue to try to live the lives they had back home. If you want to remain in oppression, and stay in your ways, don't come to Canada. If you come here, be expected to live like the rest of us.
Joseph Baldassarra, Toronto
Religion does not have a voice in dictating rules for employers. The rules are to be applied to all employees. A person who accepts a position is advised of the terms and conditions of employment and has a choice to accept the terms and is free to make a choice not to accept the offer of employment. As a Canadian I am tired of having to be so politically correct that I cannot express any joy of Christmas or other holidays in the workplace, even though it is a Canadian as well as a religious tradition. I am sensitive to other religions and I do not believe discussions concerning religion or politics have any place at work.
Carole Borg, Port Colborne, Ont.
Yes, the employer is justified. As a uniform it should be the same for all female employees. This is the way it is and should be in Canada. If immigrants to this country don't like it, they are welcome to return to their native land. This employee should adapt to Canada, not vice-versa.
Kent Chapman, Toronto
Many Muslim women wear pants to cover their legs, so this seems to be more of a personal choice than a religious one. On the other hand, unless there is a good reason why a long skirt is not suitable for the job she is asked to do, I don't see why she should not be allowed to wear one as a reasonable accommodation to her interpretation of her religious obligations.
Adam Quinan, Toronto
I admire persons who are modest and try hard to follow their religious teachings regarding their appearance, especially in today's society with everything hanging out (so to speak). I think Halima should wear her slacks as well as her skirt and be done with it. Back in the 60's when girls were not allowed to wear slacks in school, many of us would wear our slacks under our skirts on our long walks to school on those cold days.
Bern Ochtabienski, Grimsby, Ont.
Source: Toronto Star, Nov 18, 2007