Ontario Labour Minister and Ottawa Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi says he didn’t praise a controversial book on Islam that says it’s acceptable for men to physically punish their wives, even though he wrote a letter of support to the author.
Naqvi issued a statement on his website Tuesday, saying he “strongly condemns violence against women” and believes “that abuse of any kind is unacceptable.”
Naqvi’s remarks were reprinted as a review for Suhail Kapoor’s book Islam: Balancing Life and Beyond, quoted as saying: “I admire your drive to reach out to the public and promote values of tolerance, understanding and respect.”
According to Naqvi, he responded to a letter from Kapoor in 2009, acknowledging the authors’ efforts. However, Naqvi says he has not read the book, nor did he authorize the use of his name or comments in the “Reviews” section of the book itself, according to the statement.
The book apparently condones men striking their wives for being disobedient. Kapoor writes the word beat “does not mean physical abuse” but rather “a light tap that leaves no mark” and is only permissible “in a situation of some serious moral misconduct.”
The controversy has sparked reaction from Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak, who told reporters that he was shocked at Naqvi’s remarks in the book.
“It’s very disturbing that any member of the assembly, let alone a cabinet minister, would endorse this kind of garbage,” he told reporters.
Hudak also said Naqvi should apologize to the public.
Premier Kathleen Wynne says it was “quite clear to me that Minister Naqvi had not read the content, adding, “any acceptance of violence against women is unacceptable to me.”
Naqvi argues he has twice introduced a private member’s bill regarding domestic violence, and says he is proud of the actions the government has taken to address this problem, according to the statement.