While this is specific to Quebec, I think a lot of Canadians are blind to the Islamophobia that exists across the country. Looking at some of the comments by members of the UCP or some of Doug Fords pals, I don’t think Quebec is that out of step with other provinces.
A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
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Re: A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
#12adding the crucifix ban is a ridiculous fig leaf, as there's no obligation to wear an enormous crucifix in any Christian sect that I know of. whereas there is clearly an actual obligation to wear a kippah, headscarf, or turban. the bill is obviously targeted at Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs. if there were any special dress requirements for mainstream Christian groups, these bills would never have been proposed.
This is how I see it as well...
I'm more hesitant to say it's targeting any group in particular outside of the "other".
There's sadly a lot of fear floating through various circles perpetuated and amplified by online social groups. If those didn't exist I wonder if this pandering bill would have been tabled.
Re: A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
#13Other commenters have noted that this is a provincial rather than a federal bill, but it’s also worth adding context that this was a hot topic in Canada’s 2015 federal election. [1][2]
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2015-niqab-... [2] http://www.parli.ca/niqab-debate/
Re: A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
#14adding the crucifix ban is a ridiculous fig leaf, as there's no obligation to wear an enormous crucifix in any Christian sect that I know of. whereas there is clearly an actual obligation to wear a kippah, headscarf, or turban. the bill is obviously targeted at Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs. if there were any special dress requirements for mainstream Christian groups, these bills would never have been proposed.
Why add the word 'enormous'?
I don't know about this version of the bill, but previous versions allowed small religious symbols.
Re: A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
#15adding the crucifix ban is a ridiculous fig leaf, as there's no obligation to wear an enormous crucifix in any Christian sect that I know of. whereas there is clearly an actual obligation to wear a kippah, headscarf, or turban. the bill is obviously targeted at Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs. if there were any special dress requirements for mainstream Christian groups, these bills would never have been proposed.
> there is clearly an actual obligation to wear a kippah, headscarf, or turban
There is no obligation to wear anything. There is an "obligation" for some sects of Islam. But that does not mean anything in the domain of secular government.
The truth is, most Muslims do NOT wear any special clothing. And even those that feel obligated to are not obligated to really; they are obligated to try, if possible. If they are not permitted to do it, they are spiritually off the hook. If it's a choice between wearing a headscarf and not providing for your family, you are most likely a bad muslim for not providing for your family. So, by banning it explicitly, we are actually making things easier for them by giving them an excuse not to do it.
> there's no obligation to wear an enormous crucifix in any Christian sect that I know of.
Who are you to say that I can't wear a giant pope-hat to work? I'm "obligated" to by my obscure sect of Catholicism. Perhaps I can carry around some lit incense and clanking metal jewelry. We have to draw the line somewhere.
Re: A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
#16I live in Quebec and fully support this bill.
It’s great to see our province lead the pack when it comes to secularism!
Re: A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
#17Weirdly, this bill would end up hurting Sikh men the most. And they are probably one of the most well integrated communities in Canada.
Re: A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
#18Other commenters have noted that this is a provincial rather than a federal bill, but it’s also worth adding context that this was a hot topic in Canada’s 2015 federal election. [1][2] [1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2015-niqab-... [2] http://www.parli.ca/niqab-debate/
This bill bans every "religious symbol", including a hijab. The niqab is, from my understanding, a full face and body covering garment, and most people would consider that different from what this bill targets. I don't think it is fair to say this exact same thing was a "hot topic" in the Federal election.
Re: A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
#19adding the crucifix ban is a ridiculous fig leaf, as there's no obligation to wear an enormous crucifix in any Christian sect that I know of. whereas there is clearly an actual obligation to wear a kippah, headscarf, or turban. the bill is obviously targeted at Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs. if there were any special dress requirements for mainstream Christian groups, these bills would never have been proposed.
one good rediculous thing deserves the other.
Re: A Canadian Bill Proposes Barring Public Employees from Wearing Head Scarves
#20Other commenters have noted that this is a provincial rather than a federal bill, but it’s also worth adding context that this was a hot topic in Canada’s 2015 federal election. [1][2] [1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2015-niqab-... [2] http://www.parli.ca/niqab-debate/
This bill bans every "religious symbol", including a hijab. The niqab is, from my understanding, a full face and body covering garment, and most people would consider that different from what this bill targets. I don't think it is fair to say this exact same thing was a "hot topic" in the Federal election.
How is it not fair to say it was a hot topic? It was one of the biggest and most controversial stories in Canada at the time. Am I missing something?