Quebec’s ‘Secular Charter’ tabled in National Assembly

Quebec’s governing Parti Québécois has tabled legislation defining the place of faith in society, writes Peter Kavanagh.

Entitled “The Charter Affirming the Values of State Secularism and Religious Neutrality and of Equality between Women and Men”, the legislation bars public servants from wearing religious garments and symbols in the workplace, including schools, hospitals, government-funded day-care centres and all government offices. Turbans, “outsized” crucifixes, hijabs and niqabs are examples of clothing and artefacts that would not be permitted. Bernard Drainville, Minister for Democratic Institutions and Active Citizenship, says the bill “guarantees the equality of men and women as well as the religious neutrality of the state.”

The Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishops says the bill is unfair to Muslims. The Parti Québécois is a minority government and both opposition parties are opposed to the legislation, which might trigger an election.