Action Report

The purpose of this document is to detail the actions of the Maritime Secular Legal Network Association on September 7^th, 2005 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Purpose

The purpose of our action was threefold:

1)  Educate the public of the danger of
continuing to allow the Ontario government to apply the Arbitration Act to Family Law.  Alarm the population of the likely possibility of forcing religious law on vulnerable sections of people, especially women.  Specifically, bring attention to the fact that Maritime provinces have not taken a clear stance on this issue.

2)  Discuss related groups around the world fighting against this attack on secular law, as well as their actions on September 8^th.  Engender an idea of global action and strength in our cause.

3)  Encourage the public to support the MSLNA by coming to our organizational meetings to debate, discuss and plan further action.

Action

Our action consisted of setting up an informational table in the Law School building at Dalhousie University in a high-traffic area.  This gave us a large exposure to students and faculty who may be interested in our cause. 

In order to support our educational purpose, we discussed our
cause with many who walked by our table, as well as giving them informational pamphlets which contained links and email addresses for their further research.  Additionally, we had a sign-up sheet to gather names and email addresses for those who would like to aid our cause and attend our next meeting.

Results

The action was very successful in educating the public about the Ontario’s decision to allow religious courts to decided disputes.  Most people had not heard about this before, and were shocked that such a thing had been allowed in our society. 

It was also interesting and relevant to see that a minority of people viewed our cause as an attack on multiculturalism.  Although the debate sparked was constructive and informative to both parties, our stance on this issue should be better presented in further educational campaigns.

Another great success was the fact that we collected many names and email addresses of people who wish to attend further meetings in support our cause. 

Conclusion

The goals that were set at the beginning of this action were completed with a considerable degree of success.  This action was especially effective in that it combined an action to educate the public, while as well strengthening our organization for bolder, more ambitious action in the future.

September 9^th, 2005