Canada grapples with Islamic sharia law

TORONTO, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Protests are planned in 12 cities in Canada and Europe over a Canadian province's bid to allow Islamic Shariah law to be used to arbitrate marital disputes.

In Toronto, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's government appears poised to accept recommendations to allow such tribunals, in use by Christians and Jews in the province since 1991.

McGuinty, a Liberal, said the government is in the process of reviewing a 9-month-old report by former provincial Attorney-General Marion Boyd, which concluded that Muslims in Ontario should have the same rights as other religious groups, the Globe and Mail reported.

Protesters are planning to convene at the provincial parliament building midday Thursday, to coincide with marches in 11 other cities in Canada and Europe, including Victoria, British Columbia; Ottawa; Montreal; London; Paris and Stockholm.

Even McGuinty's opponent, Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory acknowledged the government is grappling with a difficult issue, one that is "hugely emotional" for both sides, the report said.