Just before the motion was introduced, Doug Ford’s office issued a statement that appeared to allow PC MPPs to vote as they please.

”The premier has been clear that he does not support this ban and has called on the speaker to reverse his decision,” the statement read.

”Members of caucus are free to support or oppose the NDP motion.”

When the Speaker put it to a verbal vote, several Tory MPPs could be heard replying ”no,” including Robin Martin, who was the centre of opposing the removing of the ban after the first vote.

 

 

Almost immediately after today’s vote though, four protesters in the public gallery overlooking the politicians put on keffiyehs and yelled ”free Palestine,” resulting in a shouting match with some government MPPs before security escorted them out.

As the MPPs left the chamber, one said the protest had made her feel ”unsafe.”

While this was going on Independent Sara Jama, who was kicked out of the NDP caucus last year over another issue related to the Middle East conflict, put on a keffiyeh but was not asked to remove it for the remainder of question period.