Quebec's war on Religion

[worth]

Controversial title, I know, and i'm not sure it's 100% accurate, but looking to get a sense of the CP take on this issue.

I'm sure many remember the dispute between the province and FIFA about players not being allowed to wear traditional or religious headdress while playing soccer. The Provincial government has taken it a step further with potential new legislation.

I know many people here are very secular, which is fine, but I think most if not all are for free speech and freedom of religion and hold that in the highest regard. Does this legislation override the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms afforded Quebecers?

Quebec Premier Pauline Marois says her party's planned "Charter of Quebec Values," which would include a ban on religious headwear for public employees, will be a uniting force for the province.

Instead, Marois said the charter will help bring Quebec together, much like Bill 101, the province's landmark legislation aimed at protecting the French language.

The charter will affirm, once and for all, the equality between men and women, she said, and it will reflect not only "universal" values, but Quebec values as well.

"It will become, I'm certain, a strong uniting element between Quebecers," Marois said Sunday at a gathering of young PQ members in Quebec City. "We're moving forward in the name of all the women, all the men, who chose Quebec for our culture, for our freedom and for our diversity.

Leaked details, published in a media report last week, include a plan to prohibit people like doctors, teachers and public daycare workers from donning turbans, kippas, hijabs and visible crucifixes.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montre...ec-values.html

CHAPTER I
FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS

3. Every person is the possessor of the fundamental freedoms, including freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of opinion, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.

1975, c. 6, s. 3.

CHAPTER I.1
RIGHT TO EQUAL RECOGNITION AND EXERCISE OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
10. Every person has a right to full and equal recognition and exercise of his human rights and freedoms, without distinction, exclusion or preference based on race, colour, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, age except as provided by law, religion, political convictions, language, ethnic or national origin, social condition, a handicap or the use of any means to palliate a handicap.

Discrimination exists where such a distinction, exclusion or preference has the effect of nullifying or impairing such right.

1975, c. 6, s. 10; 1977, c. 6, s. 1; 1978, c. 7, s. 112; 1980, c. 11, s. 34; 1982, c. 61, s. 3.

http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gou..._12/C12_A.html

[undercoverbrother]

So is this only for public employees?

[CaptainCrunch]

Its stupid, Freedom of religion and freedom of expression are tenants of our countries constitution.

As soon as this stupid bill passes its going to be challenged 6 ways to sunrise at a massive cost to Quebec people and Canadians overall.

It just makes her party look like its following the same rules as Jacque Pariseau who railed about the Jews and ethnic votes after losing a referendum.

I'm amazed that a minority government would be stupid enough to try to get this through.

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

I'm amazed that a minority government would be stupid enough to try to get this through.

It's Quebec, and it's the PQ. I'm not amazed at all.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

So is this only for public employees?

Who cares? If a teacher or doctor wants to wear a cross or a turban how the eff does it affect (effect? I hate these words...) their ability to do their job?

[Bunk]

Quite simply, it's thinly veiled racism and xenophopia.

It's "secularism" twisted up into a ball of fear and hate. A truer and healthy secular society is one where all people's rights are protected regardless of religious affiliation and no religion dominates political institutions whether by representation or law.

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by chemgear

It's Quebec, and it's the PQ. I'm not amazed at all.

Originally Posted by Bunk

Quite simply, it's thinly veiled racism and xenophopia.

^ At least they're consistent.

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Who cares? If a teacher or doctor wants to wear a cross or a turban how the eff does it affect (effect? I hate these words...) their ability to do their job?

Affect. I always try to remember "effect" as being the noun.

[DuffMan]

I'm OK with banning burkas and any other repressive clothing and daggers.

[Bunk]

Also, shame on Harper and Mulcair for cowering on this in the face of possible political ramifications in Quebec.

Kudos to Trudeau for rightly admonishing Marois and the PQ.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Who cares? If a teacher or doctor wants to wear a cross or a turban how the eff does it affect (effect? I hate these words...) their ability to do their job?

It doesn't.


I was asking a question.


Do you have the answer?

[jofillips]

doesn't the fleur des lyes have religious symbolism?? better ban that too....

[Flacker]

This proposed "legislation" will be in direct contradiction of the Charter of Rights of Canada. If the Quebec government uses the notwithstanding clause to ram this through, I will have lost all hope for our "special" province.

If this represents the will of the people of Quebec, it goes against pretty much all that it means to be Canadian.

[JohnnyB]

Less a war on religion than a war on specific religions. Definitely discriminatory.

[Nyah]

Originally Posted by DuffMan

I'm OK with banning burkas and any other repressive clothing and daggers.

Freedom of religion is freedom of religion. You either support it or you don't. You can't pick and choose the aspects of a religion that you agree and say those are okay, and support banning the ones you disagree with, especially when it really doesn't effect anyone else.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

It doesn't.


I was asking a question.


Do you have the answer?

Nope, sorry, I read too much into your post and where the question could potentially lead.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Nope, sorry, I read too much into your post and where the question could potentially lead.

All good.


Questions are key to communication and discussion.

[DuffMan]

Originally Posted by Nyah

Freedom of religion is freedom of religion. You either support it or you don't. You can't pick and choose the aspects of a religion that you agree and say those are okay, and support banning the ones you disagree with, especially when it really doesn't effect anyone else.

So, you'd be OK with me sacrificing virgins as part of my religion?

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by JohnnyB

Less a war on religion than a war on specific religions. Definitely discriminatory.

Which religions have been targeted and which have not?

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by JohnnyB

Less a war on religion than a war on specific religions. Definitely discriminatory.

I think its more a war on minorities (read:non-francophones)...period.

Its the "politics of division" at its finest and a long standing method of the Quebec seperatist movement and their political wing (party of the day).

Its absurd that they have been allowed to get away with so many of the things they have for decades now...and its all because the rest of Canada cowtows to them for fear of looking intolerant. Which in and of itself is so ironic when its the seperatists that really dont tolerate anyone who is not one of them.

[undercoverbrother]

nm