With all due respect to the writer, the issue is not secular liberal Muslims like the Ismailis, it is the assertive political Islamists (salafi/wahabi) who push an ideology that encourages cultural segregation under the guise of religious accommodations. There is no modern parallel to the regressive ideology of political Islamism - which is highlighted by the division and societal regression in Europe over the last 15 years (or Turkey over the last 8).  It would be naive to believe good intentions and hoping for the best would keep Canada immune from the same issues in Europe.  Gender equality is not a function of cultural relativism and is more important than accommodating regressive beliefs under the guise of religion. Canada didn't evolve into one of the most advanced societies in the world by accident - we should be weary of accommodating cultural practices that are only common in countries where women are forced to submit to male authority and free expression is non-existent.