Minister distances himself from book condoning physical punishment of wives

Ontario Liberal Part President Yasir Naqvi is seen in this undated file photo.

TORONTO -- Labour Minister Yasir Naqvi denied Tuesday that he endorsed a controversial book on Islam that says it's OK for men to physically punish their wives, even though he wrote a letter of support to the author.

The Ottawa member of provincial parliament acknowledged that he wrote the letter, but said he didn't read the book.

"I strongly condemn violence against women," Naqvi said in a statement.

"I believe that abuse of any kind is unacceptable and I do not share the views expressed in this book."

The former president of the Liberal party said he also didn't authorize the use of his name or comments in the "reviews" section of the book entitled "Islam: Balancing Life and Beyond."

But a published report said the author, Suhail Kapoor, was granted permission to reprint the letter in the book, which says men can "lightly" strike their wives if she shows "serious moral misconduct."

Naqvi said he received a letter from Kapoor in 2009 regarding the book.

"I responded, as I do to all letters received at my community office, acknowledging his efforts on this project, which were ostensibly to promote values of tolerance, understanding and respect," he added.

But Opposition Leader Tim Hudak said Naqvi's statement isn't enough.

"I think it's very disturbing that any member of the assembly, let alone a cabinet minister, would endorse this kind of garbage," he said.

"I think that Premier (Kathleen) Wynne needs to call her labour minister on to the carpet to rescind his endorsement of the book and to apologize."

Naqvi said in his statement that he's worked in the legislature to end violence against women. He twice introduced a private member's bill aimed at dismantling barriers in residential or lease agreements that prevent victims of domestic abuse from leaving abusive relationships, he said.