Ban overt religious signs in public service, PQ says

[rug]

Parti Québecois wants to introduce secular charter

CBC News
Posted: Aug 14, 2012 9:56 AM ET
Last Updated: Aug 14, 2012 3:29 PM ET

The Parti Québecois wants to introduce a secular charter and ban all civil servants from wearing or exposing overt religious symbols.

This isn't the first time the Parti Québecois has mentioned the introduction of a secular charter aimed at making sure public and parapublic institutions are free of religious bias and symbols.

At a news conference on Monday in Maskinongé, northeast of Montreal, leader Pauline Marois said freedom of religion would be integrated in the charter.

"Before having it contested, we will present it, debate it and adopt it. If it has to be contested, for now it's a hypothetical question. We will fight for what we need because we think this is essential for the public's well-being by taking its values and writing them in a charter," said Marois.

Under this charter, civil servants would not be allowed to wear conspicuous religious symbols.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/quebecvotes2012/story/2012/08/14/quebec-votes-caq-tax-credit-pq-liberals.html

[cbayer]

1. But they are going to leave the crucifix in the National Assembly?

That makes no sense.

Is this aimed at Muslims?

[rug]

2. I can't tell.

Bound to be a backstory.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

3. No turbans, no head scarfs (except for style), no head coverings indoors, no wedding rings

Oh my, this could be fun

[cbayer]

4. Ashes on Ash Wednesday? Yamulkes?

[rug]

5. No cross of St. Andrew, no cross of St. George.

[mr blur]

8. A wedding ring is not a religious symbol,

just as a marriage is not a religious process. You can dress it up however you wish but that doesn't alter the fact.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

12. I have seen that argued both ways...also seen wedding rings discussed as a feminist issue as well.

My take is that they are tradition with strong religious overtones and given the apparent desire of the Quebecois, I assume they would err on the side of caution and ban them as well.

Then again, the V'rai Laine are that kind of stupid.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

6. Would never happen. The Canadian Charter of rights would crush it instantly.

[IMG][/IMG]

(Well as long as Quebec remains in Canada at least.)

[cbayer]

7. Who is that guy?!?! He is quite an impressive sight.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

9. Specifically I don't know,

I just lifted the pic off the net. Sikh Mounties won the right to wear their turbans back in the 90's following a charter of rights ruling.

[cbayer]

10. It's a very cool combination, imo. I would sit up straight in my chair and pay close

attention if he had something to say to me.

[Odin2005]

13. That Sikh Mountie looks badass!

[EvilAL]

11. Le Parti Quebcois

are weird and like to ban shit. They try to do stupid things all the time and they talk a lot of shit. I don't know if they figure this will somehow magically gain them all the votes they've lost. They seem to be blabbing on about religion the way they blab about language. That's what scares me.

[Odin2005]

14. I like the sentiment, but it goes too far.