The Quebec Liberal government is proposing a bill with an aim of reasonable accommodation.
Bill 94 is being opened up to public debate at proceedings in Quebec City.
Elements of the bill include allowing civil servants to wear a crucifix or headscarf, but forcing people who cover their face to lift the veil for reasons of security, communication, or identification.
As part of Thursday's proceedings, members of an Orthodox Jewish community chose to speak up before the National Assembly.
They say they are worried that Bill 94 would effectively allow some rights, like those of gender equality to trump those of religion – something with which they are not comfortable.
Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil responded to the concern by stating that there would be no
hierarchy of rights.
"However, reasonable accommodation would never allow you to breach the equality between men and women," she added.
One of the lawyers present, Lionel Perez, warned against putting hard limits on one group's religious freedom, citing the risk of creating a negative precedents and opening up the law to court challenges.
Meanwhile, some Muslim women, like community worker Samira Laouni, had a different objection.
"If women have to choose between government services and religious beliefs, they will just become more isolated and more ghettoized," said Laouni.
Minister Weil said the goal is the opposite: to find a middle-ground.
She rejected appeals to outright secularism, an option preferred by the Parti Quebecois.
"It's those that want very closed secularism that would create a bar," she said. "That's why were saying the whole reason we have these rules around reasonable accommodation is to integrate people."
Hearings continue Friday at the National Assembly.
