Canada · 5 d ago
Quebec plans to ban religious symbols for schoolchildren, education minister says
Education Minister Joël Arseneau called the plan non-negotiable. During the campaign, Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said it would cover conspicuous religious symbols for all primary school pupils, which could include the hijab, kippa, crucifix or turban.
What we know
- The PQ promised broader secularism laws
- The legislature resumes on Nov 17
- Existing law bars public-sector staff, teachers included
Not yet
- When a bill will be tabled
It is unclear when the PQ minority government will table a bill. The legislature resumes sitting on Nov 17.
Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh representatives and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association urged the premier on Thursday to drop the ban. “A little girl of 10 should have the right to go to school. Period,” the association's program director said.
