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Barry Wilson, Executive Producer, CTV Montreal Published Friday, February 6, 2015 2:56PM EST

Democracy for all

Free speech does not protect you from the consequences of saying things that are stupid or things which are incompatible with common shared fundamental societal values.

Hamza Chaoui is an imam with hundreds of followers, mostly it seems on social media.He advocates Sharia law where women are denied basic rights, a system from the 8th century which really hasn't changed much.

Chaouisays Islam and democracy are two parallel lines which will never intersect because, as he wrote, "democracy allows for the election of an infidel or homosexual or atheist.

He says his teachings are based on an interpretation of the Koran followed by Sunni Muslims. Mayor Denis Coderre says Chaouiis an instrument for radicalization and sayshe will deny any request he makes for a permit to open a community centre in Montreal.

"Its clear it has nothing to do with religion," says Coderre, "and if we want to protect our kids, if we want to protect some of the people who might, through the Internet or through other ways, be influenced. And you know we can think of the worst, it is imperative and important that I take my full responsibility."

Premier Couillard this week agreed that it would not be a good idea to allow Chaoui to open up a storefront operation. And I believe most reasonable people think the same way.

Now Chaoui is threatening to sue.And this is where the sheer blood-boiling hypocrisy comes in.He says he may seek redress under the Quebec and Canadian Chartersof Rights, which aredemocratic charters.Some people think they can have it both ways: they can slam the system, preachthe evils of democratic rule, but then try to hide behind its protections.

Our world has become a dangerous place and itis time we started making some new rules.Chaoui says he has never incited violence or hatred. But what he stands for seems to me not to be a society of inclusiveness based on equality and decency.We live in a democracy where everyone counts or nobodydoes.

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Postscript: Hypocrisy, democracy and gas gouging