Canada: No Single Syrian Men, Unless They're Gay

Nation puts emphasis on taking women, kids, and families
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 24, 2015 6:33 AM CST
Canada: No Single Syrian Men, Unless They're Gay
Syrian refugees arrive aboard a dinghy after crossing from Turkey to the island of Lesbos, Greece.   (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, File)

Canada is expected to roll out a new policy on accepting Syrian refugees Tuesday, and it's got an unusual twist—lone, single males need not apply, unless they happen to be gay. The idea behind the policy is to reduce the risk of extremists slipping into the country by taking in women, kids, and families, reports the CBC. But authorities will make an exception for single gay refugees who might face persecution if not allowed to escape, reports the National Post. The guidelines are part of Canada's pledge to take in 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of the year, and it's not yet clear whether the screening would take place in overseas camps or in Canada itself. Authorities expect to allow in about 900 a day from Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon, mostly in Montreal and Toronto.

The refugee controversy continues to make headlines in the US as well:

  • Indiana lawsuit: The ACLU in Indiana has filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Mike Pence over his decision to suspend the relocation of Syrian refugees in the state, reports the Indianapolis Star. The suit argues that the idea of barring refugees from one particular country violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution.
  • 'Large gatherings of white men': Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings has said his city will welcome Syrian refugees, and he reiterated the point in comments to MSNBC that are drawing attention, notes the Dallas Morning News. Discriminating against Syrian refugees is exactly what ISIS wants, he said, adding that refugees aren't the real problem: “I am more fearful of large gatherings of white men that come into schools, theaters and shoot people up, but we don’t isolate young white men on this issue."
(More Canada stories.)

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