In a video message released Sunday night, Quebec Premier Francois Legault says that his government's secularism bill does not violate freedom of religion.
Last Updated Sunday, March 31, 2019 6:52PM EDT
The legislation tabled last week would prohibit public servants in positions of authority -- including teachers, police officers, Crown prosecutors and prison guards -- from wearing religious symbols. He also reiterated arguments previously made by Immigration Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette, who said Bill 21 is an affirmation of Quebec's distinctiveness -- and its decades-long drive to separate church and state.
"Secularism is not contrary to freedom of religion," Legault said. "Each can practice the religion of their choice, but we have to set rules, and that's what we're doing." Women's groups have pointed out Muslim women wearing a hijab will bear the brunt of the law's impact, and expressed concern they could face increased stigmatization and even violence.
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