Oct 30, 2017 – Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard in passing Bill 62, known as "Act to foster adherence to State religious neutrality", is stirring controversy by restricting face covering, a practice largely followed by Muslim women.
The objective of an anticipated political gain, seems striking. Quebecers face a provincial election in the fall of 2018 and an Angus Reid poll found that one in five Quebecers said Bill 62 would be "one of the most important factors" when it comes to choosing which party to support. Many question the rationale for a ban on face coverings. Statistics Canada figures confirm that among Quebec's 8.2 million population, just over 240,000, or under 3 per cent, identify as Muslim. Only a fraction of that number chooses to wear the full-face veil. At most, a few hundred people are the focus of this restriction. The Quebec niqab ban is being presented as a state religious neutrality law.
Yet, for want of a better description, the state is prescribing what Muslim women in Quebec must not wear. They will not be allowed to wear a burka or a niqab when accessing public transport, receiving medical services at a provincial hospital or attending a public library. Students attending publicly funded universities, and parents picking up children from publicly funded daycare centres will also be affected. The law does not prohibit other articles of faith and would not prevent public servants from wearing large crucifixes, turbans, kippahs or garments worn by followers of other religions, when delivering government services.
Exactly how the law will be implemented when it comes into force in 2018, is unclear, although the Quebec government has recently tried to soften its stand somewhat since the law was passed.
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The content of this article reflects the personal insight of Attorney Colin Singer and needs no disclaimer
