I hate it when people are like “get out of your comfort zone” literally every single thing I do in my life feels like me getting out of my comfort zone
Hamilton-Centre MPP Sarah Jama has been censured over her comments about the Israel-Gaza war on the same day that she was removed from the Ontario NDP caucus.
On Monday, the Doug Ford government voted in favour of a motion that not only acts as a formal disapproval of the Hamilton-Centre MPP’s statements, but also prevents the Speaker from recognizing her until a formal apology is made and the social media post is deleted.
The motion passed 63-23, with the NDP voting against the censure.
In a statement, NDP Leader Marit Stiles said the motion is “undemocratic” and said the Progressive Conservatives have “disenfranchised the voters of Hamilton Centre.”
“This extreme motion has barred a member from participating in the Legislature just six months after she were elected. It sets a dangerous precedent.” […]
She spoke in the legislature for the first time on Monday, and did not apologize or back down from her original commentary. Instead she reiterated her call for an end to the “Israeli apartheid.”
“The Ford government has nothing meaningful to say about these atrocities, and has now targeted me to distract from its own scandals. Those of us committed to Palestinian life refuse to be distracted,” she said.
“I ground my words in the realities of Israeli apartheid, and Israel’s ongoing domination and occupation of Palestinian lands. Governments and institutions in Canada are trying to use their weight to silence us, to silence workers, students, educators, and peace-loving people who dare to support Palestine. To every person taking risks to speak up for Palestinian dignity and safety, I see you, I hear you, and I am with you.”
