Wednesday, August 21, 2013

‘Charter of Quebec Values’ aims to restrict religious symbols

[image]QMI AgencyBurkaby The Canadian Press:
MONTREAL – Quebec has launched its next debate on minority accommodation — and this one could make the erstwhile soccer-turban ban look like a leisurely stroll on the pitch.
The government is preparing to introduce long-awaited legislation that would restrict religious symbols in numerous places.
A media report Tuesday with leaked details of the Parti Quebecois government’s “Charter of Quebec Values” says the proposed policy will prohibit public employees from donning Sikh, Jewish and Muslim headwear in the workplace.
It appears the PQ hopes to cash in at the ballot box by championing a position on secularism that polls have suggested has considerable support in the province.
The fiery debate that erupted over a recent ban on wearing turbans on Quebec soccer fields offered a sneak-peek of the what could be in the political pipeline for the national assembly’s fall session.
The turban ban was lifted by the Quebec Soccer Federation due to external pressure — but not before it made headlines around the world. Inside Quebec, Premier Pauline Marois rushed to the defence of the soccer federation and accused its detractors of Quebec-bashing.
Tuesday’s newspaper report says the PQ government is set to prevent employees in public institutions like schools and hospitals from wearing religious symbols such as turbans, niqabs, kippas, hijabs and highly visible crucifixes...Continue reading...

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