Lifestyle /
Quebec Proposes Ban On Religious Symbols, Stirs Controversy!
Quebec’s proposed ban on public and civil employees wearing religious symbols becomes a subject of controversy again after the turban ban on soccer players.
Quebec’s right-winged party, Parti Quebecois (PQ) has called for the ban for all religious symbols worn by public employees. According to Francois Legault, the leader of CAQ party told Toronto Sun that although the step to ban religious symbols was controversial, it was a necessary step to preserve the “state neutrality.” The religious symbols include crucifixes, turbans, and yarmulkes.
For Legault, any “person of authority” including judges, police officers, Crown prosecutors, and prison guards who will be subject to the ban. Legault said in a news conference: “What we say also is that we should exclude religious signs for employees being in authority, like judges, policemen — and teachers because we think that teachers, they have in front of them children in a vulnerable position. But, that’s it. We don’t think, like the Parti Quebecois, that we should extend this exclusion to doctors, nurses, all civil servants.
We think that they should have the right to continue to wear a religious sign because they are not in an authority position. So we think it’s a balanced position, it’s a responsible position and we hope that the Parti Quebecois turns the page as soon as possible because we know that this debate will divide Quebec.”
Pauline Marois speaks at the "Universite d'ete des jeunes du Parti Quebecois" event in Quebec City, Sunday, August 25, 2013. The Quebec premier rejects any suggestion the Charter of Quebec Values would be a source of division amongst the population, but has suggested the controversial Bill 14 could be doomed /Francis Vachon The Canadian Press
The Pauline Maoris government wants to also further crack down on preventing any government employee including teachers in schools, public hospitals, day cares and other state workplaces from wearing religious symbols in the public space. In a news conference in Quebec City, Legault said, “It's a question of credibility on the part of citizens who have diverse beliefs.”
The proposed law has led to multiple reactions from political leaders all around Canada. While Liberal leader Justin Trudeau has opposed the law firmly but politely, Tom Muclair’s New Democrats government has not responded to the issue silently wishing for it to disappear and Stephen Harper’s conservative government has chosen quite vigorously to not disclose or say anything to the law!
Although arguably one could call the law 'racist', the Liberal Leader has refrained to call it as such but has instead called it counterproductive and unnecessary – a step that would tarnish the image of Quebec around the world! According to The Star, who had earlier not commented on the issue now claims that it will make many Quebecers scapegoats!
Mr. Couillard told the Globe and Mail that he found the proposition seems to be “unreasonable and exaggerated.” Furthermore he continued on to say that “our position will not change.”
RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS FACING QUEBEC BAN
o Crucifixes
o Turbans
o Burkas
o Niqabs
o Hijabs
o Yarmulkes
SYMBOLS WOULD BE BANNED IN:
o Provincial government buildings
o Public schools
o Hospitals
o Public daycares
This fiery debate sparked in the lieu of recent controversy regarding the soccer turban ban.
Prominent lawyer Julius Grey and said in an interview, “The type of secularism that is being promoted goes beyond what is acceptable. Now, it doesn't mean that the Supreme Court will not uphold it. Legal decisions aren't made in a vacuum and maybe our atmosphere, our social climate, is changing to the point where this will be the future. I hope not.”
Feature Image: i.huffpost.com
Images & Source: The Canadian Press, The Star, www2.macleans.ca, torontosun.com, cbc.ca, and raven.b-it.ca
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Bestie Roommate Is A Nightmare
-
Pride 2023: Why Is India's Supreme Court Taking So Long To Legalize Same Sex Marriage?
