The left-wing Québec solidaire party has voted to oppose all restrictions on religious symbols in the public sector.
The Quebec government had introduced legislation on Thursday that would ban public sector employees from wearing religious symbols while working.
“The line was drawn today,” QS co-spokesperson Manon Massé told reporters shortly after the vote was taken. “Our position will not allow any more exception to this principle: that state secularism is not individual secularism.
“In Quebec, nobody should lose their job or be impeded in exercising their profession of their choice whether he or she wears a religious symbol.”
Religious clothing such as Muslim headscarves, Jewish skullcaps, Catholic crosses and Sikh turbans would all be prohibited under the new legislation. Since its introduction, the bill has experienced much backlash and is accused of violating peoples freedoms, such as the freedom of religion.
The bill, known by its title “An Act respecting the laicity of the State,” was introduced by Minister of Immigration, Simon Jolin-Barrette. Current civil servants already wearing religious symbols will be exempt. However incoming employees will be subject to the prohibition. The bill argues that the separation of State and religion, religious neutrality, and the need for security are all major aspects behind the ban.
The proposed secularism law is not the first from the government, which attempted to pass similar legislation in 2017. However, the attempt was suspended by a Canadian judge last June.
Numerous advocacy groups have spoken out against the ban. Additionally, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly condemned the bill, stating in a press conference on Thursday, “It is unthinkable to me that in a free society we would legitimize discrimination against citizens based on their religion.”
Quebec has an old obsession of”pure Laine” which translates to pure wool
In plain language what we would call “Gezhe “
They have a huge influx of Muslims and hijabs and face coverings are a common sight
This wouldn’t fly in USA or even the rest of Canada for a second
It’s not “Quebec” that has voted to oppose the banning.
It’s “Quebec Solidaire”.
The government of Quebec is the one tabling the bill to ban all religious garments or symbols worn by government-paid workers.
Side note: Quebec Solidaire is a separatist party whish has as one of it’s founding members a pro-PLO person whose daughter was arrested for pro-terrorist vandalism.