Formed in December 2001 , the Muslim Canadian Congress was organized to provide a voice to Muslims who support a " progressive , liberal , pluralistic , democratic , and secular society where everyone has the freedom of religion . " Tarek Fatah was one of the founders of the Muslim Canadian Congress in 2001 , after the September 11 attacks and served as its communications director and spokesperson until 2006 . The group gained prominence by opposing the implementation of Shariah in civil law in Ontario and supporting the country 's same-sex marriage legislation . The group also promotes gender equality and was involved in organizing a Muslim prayer session in which the prayers were led by a woman , Raheel Raza . It has also been critical of Islamic fundamentalism and has urged the government to ban donations to Canadian religious institutions from abroad arguing that doing so will curb extremism
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Liberal and progressive Islam in North America