IQNA

BC Muslim Association Demands Action Against Candidate for Islamophobic Posts

16:25 - October 12, 2024
News ID: 3490239
IQNA – The BC Muslim Association (BCMA) has urged the Canadian province’s Conservative party to take “meaningful action” and have a candidate step down following the resurfacing of his Islamophobic remarks.

 

In a statement on Friday morning, the BCMA expressed being “horrified and deeply troubled by the unacceptable comments made by Mr. Brent Chapman, the BC Conservative Party candidate, several years ago.”

The association highlighted that these remarks are particularly alarming given Chapman’s continued representation of the party in Surrey, a diverse and multicultural community, City News reported on Friday.

Recently unearthed Facebook comments from 2015 and 2016 show Chapman, the 2024 candidate for Surrey South, making hateful and Islamophobic remarks. He referred to Palestinians as “little inbred walking, talking, breathing time bombs,” clarifying that he meant this both “figuratively and quite literally.”

On Wednesday evening, Chapman apologized for the posts, stating, “The language I used and the sentiments I expressed at that time towards Palestinians and members of the Islamic faith were completely unacceptable. They do not reflect who I am today or the respect and admiration I hold for the Palestinian and Muslim communities.”

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He added that his experiences traveling to Muslim-majority countries and building relationships with the Muslim community in Canada have broadened his understanding and appreciation of Islam.

The BCMA contends that such statements undermine community cohesion and “promote division and intolerance.”

The BCMA urged the Conservative party to act decisively, holding representatives accountable and asking Chapman to step down.

 

Source: Agencies

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