Online campaign nets $20,000 for Quebec woman told to remove hijab in court

MONTREAL – A crowdfunding campaign in support of a Quebec woman who was refused her day in court because she was wearing a hijab has raised more than $20,000 in its first day.

Two Vancouver residents launched the campaign on Friday to help Rania El-Alloul buy a car.

It’s in response to a judge’s refusal to hear her case against the Quebec automotive insurance board, which had seized her vehicle.

On Tuesday, Quebec Court Judge Eliana Marengo told El-Alloul that her case would not be heard unless she removed her headscarf, saying it was not appropriate attire for her courtroom.

El-Alloul refused citing her religious beliefs.

The judge’s decision has drawn widespread condemnation from citizens, politicians and civil rights groups across the country.

The campaign surpassed its goal of $20,000 within twenty-four hours.

The fund’s administrators will leave the site open, with additional donations going towards El-Alloul’s legal fees.

A separate gofundme campaign for legal fees has been started by a California resident.