The English Montreal School Board says if the provincial government passes the Charter of Values, it will refuse to implement the ban on religious symbols.
Following an at-times fiery debate Wednesday evening school commissioners voted in favour of a resolution rejecting all elements of the bill which violate the Charter of Rights -- both Quebec and Canadian.
"We're a school board that has always talked about tolerance, we teach our students that, and we would like to keep that value," said EMSB chair Angela Mancini. "This is a law that would go against many of our most profound beliefs as a school board.
Commissioner Syd Wise, who wrote the motion, said that Bill 60 is a clear violation of human rights.
"The English Montreal School Board wishes to make it clear that it cannot accept the provisions of Bill 60 which relate to the wearing of objects such as headgear, clothing, jewelry or other adornments which, by their conspicuous nature, overly indicate a religious affiliation of Bill 60 should it be passed by the National Assembly," wrote Wise.
"We cannot be party to a proposed legislation, which if passed, runs contrary to what we teach our students insofar as tolerance, respect of individual rights and religious freedoms are concerned."
After hearing about the resolution provincial education minister Marie Malavoy said school boards and other institutions that refuse to implement the Charter of Quebec Values were in the wrong.
"I think many people express their opinions some of them say they’re against the bill but to when it will be voted on I hope, I think that everybody will have to accept it ," said Malavoy.
When reporters asked what penalties would apply for not following the proposed legislation, Malavoy re-iterated that the board would have to comply.
She also said that the EMSB should apply to speak at the public hearings on BIll 60 -- something the ESMB has asked to do.
