Saskatchewan’s first Muslim MLA is taking no issue with the opening Christian prayer in the legislature.
The Regina branch of the Centre for Public Inquiry has handed in a petition to see the prayer removed and the government become more secular.
The group also wants the premier’s Christmas message to remove references to God if done from government offices.
Premier Brad Wall is sticking with the both the prayer and the Christmas message.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Saskatchewan’s first Muslim elected to the legislature. Muhammad Fiaz maintains he takes no personal slight to the inclusion of the prayer.
“It is a blessing. The legislative building is representing all Saskatchewan,” Fiaz said in a telephone interview. “The speaker is asking for a blessing or praying for a blessing and that is basically a blessing for Saskatchewan and for all of us.”
Fiaz insists wherever a prayer comes from, it is a moment for personal reflection.