The backlash against the Charest government's proposal to change the school calendar and allow private Orthodox Jewish schools to teach classes on Sundays is intensifying.
Critics say the Liberals are threatening the secular school system by trying to accommodate a religious minority.
Traditionally, the Orthodox Jewish schools have made religious teaching a priority, instead of adhering to provincial curriculum standards.
Education Minister Michelle's Courchesne said earlier this week that the schools have now agreed to conform to the province's curriculum by teaching subjects that are compulsory in Quebec schools.
"Private schools need to be legal," she said.
Adam Atlas, president of the Quebec Jewish congress, welcomed the government's proposal.
"For my community, it's a no-brainer," he said.
Atlas dismissed arguments that the change would open the door to a return to denominational schools.
"If they're trying to drive some kind of a secular society agenda, then maybe they should take a look at the crucifix in the National Assembly instead of picking on a bunch of kids in Outremont who are trying to conform with the law," he said.
Ruth Rosenfeld of the Montreal Teachers' Association said educators are concerned about the possibility of all schools opening on weekends.
"I already have teachers from my adult education sector and my vocational education sector worrying that they're going to be called upon to work on the weekends. I don't think the minister's comments were clear, I don't think her intent was clear," said Rosenfeld.
The government plans are still subject to change.
