From today's Toronto Star:
Personally, I disagree with the move. There may be isolated cases where obscuring a person's face may cause a problem, but I think this law bans veils in circumstances where it can't be justified. IMO, the motivation for this law was simple dislike of the burqa and niqab, not any legitimate public policy concern.
Also, I think that Ms. Naz is correct in her assessment: this bill won't convince veiled women to remove their veils; it'll just push them out of mainstream society. I especially don't like the idea that people might be dissuaded from seeing their doctors.
What do you think?
MONTREALQuebec Premier Jean Charest and his cabinet have introduced sweeping legislation that effectively bars Muslim women from receiving or delivering public services while wearing a niqab.
According to the draft law, they would not be able to consult a doctor in a hospital, for example, or even attend classes in a university.
"Two words: Uncovered face," Charest told reporters during a press conference in Quebec City.
"The principle is clear."
However, Charest reaffirmed the right to wear other religious symbols, such as crosses, skullcaps or headscarves, which was met by some as evidence of hypocrisy and discrimination.
Some critics say the legislation could prevent women from integrating into Quebec society. "Mr. Charest is talking about welcoming people from different backgrounds and that this is going to unite us," said Shama Naz, a niqab-wearing woman who lives in the municipality of Kirkland on the island of Montreal.
"This is actually going to isolate people."
The 33-year-old mother of two young girls, a native of Pakistan, predicts women will be discouraged from going to a doctor, to school or work.
"It will isolate them from basic rights as human beings," said Naz.
Personally, I disagree with the move. There may be isolated cases where obscuring a person's face may cause a problem, but I think this law bans veils in circumstances where it can't be justified. IMO, the motivation for this law was simple dislike of the burqa and niqab, not any legitimate public policy concern.
Also, I think that Ms. Naz is correct in her assessment: this bill won't convince veiled women to remove their veils; it'll just push them out of mainstream society. I especially don't like the idea that people might be dissuaded from seeing their doctors.
What do you think?