Mr. Speaker, today is the 10th annual World Hijab Day, which is a day to encourage women of all religions and backgrounds to wear and experience the hijab for a day and learn more about it. Everyone's choice is different. I did not grow up wearing the hijab; I began wearing it after a battle with cancer. My personal reflections during that process brought me closer to my faith. The hijab does not change who I am or how I represent my constituents. A hijab does not change the way a doctor cares for her patients or the way a teacher cares for her students. It was my choice. I stand in solidarity with all who choose to wear it or choose not to.
I encourage my colleagues to wear a hijab for a day. Today, let us stand with all those who have had to face losing their jobs or have been subjected to Islamophobia because the hijab was their choice.