The Quebec Liberal party has announced a major shift in its position on the Charter of Values, now favouring a ban on the wearing of chadors, niqabs and burkas by all employees of the state.
After three months of soul searching and flip flopping on the issue, the Quebec Liberals have gone from insisting on no ban to calling for one, saying the chador, especially, runs counter to their concept of state neutrality on religion
“This garment translates a message of withdrawal of the women, submission of the women and this is not something that for us is compatible with public services,” said Liberal leader Philippe Couillard.
Police officers and prison guards could also be subjected to a ban if it doesn’t fit with their uniforms, but they would have to prove it could work on the job.
Couillard said it was time the party sent a clearer message on the hot-button topic.
“We do understand that Quebecers say we are an open and inclusive people, but we want our values, and our traditions also to be taken into account,” he said.
A ban on other religious garb like the kippa and turban is not in the cards for them, said the leader.
“This will never happen. It's a prohibition that we'll never accept,” said Couillard.
Couillard says he still respects Fatima Houda-Pepin, the MNA from the South Shore riding of La Pinière, who leftthe party Monday after she couldn't agree on the Charter.
The PQ argues her split with the party showed it is not willing to listen.
“The Liberal Party and M. Couillard cannot be trusted to defend and affirm some fundamental values that we have in Quebec,” he said, adding that he feels the Liberals aren't in tune with mainstream Quebec.
“Many Quebecers think that it doesn’t make any sense for a judge or for a policeman or policewoman to wear a religious sign,” he said.
