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| English: Women's accessories for sale! ++Cafiyas and other scarves, in JLM's old city within Damascus Gate. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The Separatist Parti Quebecois, which is leading in the polls right now as Quebec heads into a provincial election,
wants to ban any
kind of religious clothing or jewelry in government institutions.
That means
no hijabs, (head scarf); niqabs, (head scarf and veil); or burkas, (full body covering);
in court rooms or government offices.
no hijabs, (head scarf); niqabs, (head scarf and veil); or burkas, (full body covering);
in court rooms or government offices.
Although I do not believe the government has the right to
legislate what a woman can or cannot wear in her daily life, I understand the
importance of the separation of church and state.
There is no place for Sharia Law in Canada.
I like this idea and hope that it becomes the law of the land,
not just of one province.
not just of one province.
I believe the proposed policy is meant to apply only to government employees, not the general public. It would also mean that no government employee could wear a visible crucifix, a yarmulke, a turban, etc. in addition to any islamic head scarves. It essentially means that these people are excluded from government employment because of their religion, which breaches the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom. I think it's discrimination. Separation of church and state (which I agree is a crucial principle) does not require such action, in my opinion. So we'll have to agree to disagree on this topic, Francie!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Debra on this one. This screams of discrimination. As long as you are able to perform your job (or whatever) properly, and as long as your religious attire (or whatnot) does not interfere with your job or hinder it in any way, wearing something that signifies your religious affiliation shouldn't matter. If I want to wear a crucifix where I work, it should be my right to do so as long as it doesn't interfere with my performance. These officials in Quebec want to promote this as separating church and state, but will not remove crucifixes from public places; they only want the other religions to be invisible. I do think that there shouldn't be any type of prayer in public schools for example, considering that the classroom is made up of all different beliefs, including children who are atheists, so you can't - and shouldn't - favour or promote any specific religion.
ReplyDeleteAs for Sharia law, that's a whole different thing. That does not belong in Canada. We already have a legal system that works (or should work) for everyone equally. We don't need another one. One land, one legal system.
Not a problem, Debra. If it is discrimination, I see it as a necessary discrimination. Separation of church and state does in fact require such action in these troublesome times in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAh, I see I'm not going to win this one. Well for what it is worth I may be paranoid but I do think Shariah law is a real danger to women. Removing ALL religios symbols from our government services not only helps to put us on a level playing field it also sends a powerful message to those who would change things.
ReplyDeleteI think you are far from being paranoid, Francie. This is your opinion and how you feel, and I respect that. It's a very complicated and intense issue, and ideas and opinions, including intelligent debates should be conducted. It's not a black and white topic; there are grey areas that need to be studied.
ReplyDeleteI find it a matter of safety. I don't have an issue with a head scarfs, etc, but if a woman is in a burka, how would you know who the person is or of it is even a woman under there?
ReplyDeleteI would love for something like this to be happen world-wide and for it to be enforced, but I have a feeling that, like Debra suggested, it will be reduced to be used as another tool for discrimination.
ReplyDeleteI know the US is a different country, but I will use our money as an example. How can we be a nation that separates church and state, when our money says "In God we trust"?
It is a difficult thing. I dream with a world where religion and government are completely separate, but it seems that the wall is always full of holes, which are always violated by the ones with power. It's sad. And annoying.
Hi Francie, I didn't know you were afraid of flying... I developed a full blown phobia of flying these past couple of years. It has gotten so bad that I will feel dizzy, cold hands, etc just thinking about it :P
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I used heavy weight paper for my fish (which was one of the first paintings I ever painted in watercolor). :-)