Dror Bar-Natan renounces allegiance to Queen, spurs Monarchy debate
The long-standing relationship between Canada and the queen — and the monarchy more generally — is being questioned right now...and by a brand new Canadian.
Yesterday, at a citizenship swearing-in ceremony in Toronto Dror Bar-Natan swore allegiance to the Queen of Canada, her heirs and successors. But he also had something to say.... after the oath.
I wish to affirm my allegiance, my true allegiance to Canada, and to the people Canada and to disavow the royalty part and only the royalty part of the citizenship oath.- Dror Bar-Natan at a citizenship swearing-in ceremony
At his swearing-in ceremony yesterday, Dror Bar-Natan was ready for the cameras. He wore a red sweatshirt, with a rhetorical question printed on the back — It said, "Loyalty to Royalty? In 2015?"
Canada's allegiance to the King or Queen of England has been questioned before of course, but we thought it was a good time to revisit it today.
Because it is 2015!
- Ashok Charles is a photographer who became a became a Canadian citizen in 1977 but 27 years later, recanted that part of his Citizenship oath in which he swore allegiance to the Queen.
- John Pepall writes about politics and law and he's the author of "Against Reform."
RELATED LINKS
♦ Dror Bar-Natan's letter he gave to citizenship judge at swearing-in ceremony
♦ Dror Bar-Natan, Soon-To-Be-Canadian, Says Oath To Queen Is 'Repulsive'
♦ Supreme Court won't hear citizenship oath to Queen challenge
♦ Immigrant takes oath of allegiance to court (2007)
♦ Citizenship oath should be to Canada not Queen (2005)
This segment was produced by The Current's Sujata Berry and Karin Marley.
A Message from the Queen of England To Canada
The last word on this subject goes to Queen Elizabeth the Second, as channeled by the Kids in the Halls' Scott Thompson. A classic skit by the comedy troupe where the Queen is told that Canada will be abandoning the monarchy and so she delivers a message to her Canadian subjects.