Ottawa MPP Lisa MacLeod apologizes for 'hateful and Islamophobic' social media post (2025)

Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod has apologized for a social media post that claimed one of the people vying for her seat supports Sharia law.

The outgoing Progressive Conservative MPP posted on the social media site X on Jan. 7, sharing a link to the website of Husein Abu-Rayash, along with the comment, “Hey Nepean? If you support Sharia Law … next PC Candidate for Nepean could be…”

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Sharia is a body of religious law that is part of the Islamic faith, based on the Qu’ran and other religious texts.

Abu-Rayash demanded an apology and for the post to be removed, saying MacLeod could face legal repercussions for defamation.

Abu-Rayash is seeking the Progressive Conservative nomination for the Nepean riding, as MacLeod announced in 2024 that she wouldn’t be seeking re-election. She has represented the riding since 2006.

In his own social media post the following day, Abu-Rayash said it was “deeply disappointing” that MacLeod “has chosen to interfere in Nepean’s nomination process by spreading defamatory, hateful, and Islamophobic rhetoric against me.”

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“I am a proud father, conservative, Muslim and former reservist who has always sought to contribute to our beautiful country,” he wrote. “I will not be intimidated or allow anyone to undermine my reputation and integrity.”

He accused MacLeod of interfering with the nomination process, saying it was “time for her to step back and let the people of Nepean decide who their candidate should be.”

Abu-Rayash also posted a libel letter to MacLeod sent from his lawyer Mark Bourrie, saying her comments were an attack on Abu-Rayash’s religion and “a crude and heavy-handed attempt to defame him.”

Abu-Rayash’s website contains no information that he supports Sharia law, the letter says.

The letter continues, “your attempt to portray Mr. Abu-Rayash as an Islamic extremist contrasts sharply with the record. Mr. Abu-Rayash is a life-long conservative, member of the Canadian Forces reserve and a valued member of the Nepean community.”

The letter said MacLeod should immediately delete the post and “set the record straight,” as well as apologize to Abu-Rayash, or potentially face defamation claims.

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MacLeod’s apology on social media said it was not her intention to “mislead or hurt anyone,” but said she recognized her comments were “inappropriate.”

“I have been on the receiving end of unfair comments myself and should have done better. This experience has reminded me of the importance of thoughtful and accurate communication,” she wrote.

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MacLeod’s initial post was denounced by many, with Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, calling it Islamophobic.

“No @MacLeodLisa. Your comments don’t represent my Nepean,” Ottawa city Coun. David Hill posted online.

The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford to remove MacLeod from the Progressive Conservative caucus, calling her remarks “deeply concerning” and perpetuating harmful stereotypes that marginalize Muslim communities.

“We urge all politicians to promote inclusivity and understanding, fostering a Canada where diversity is celebrated and discrimination is actively challenged. This is not the Ontario we know and love,” the council said.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims also was “profoundly disappointed” by MacLeod’s post.

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