bill 60, charter of values, qcpoli, pauline marois, equality, hijab, kippah, turban, blogger, canadianmomeh
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What Bill 60 really means #QcPoli

Public hearings for Bill 60 are getting underway; with that, public sentiment is heating up.  Our government appears to have turned a blind eye to the long-term impact of its actions on its people; in particular its visible religious minorities. Incidents against Muslim women in Quebec rose by 300% in the last three months of 2013. Our friends in the Jewish and Sikh communities have also been victims of discrimination. These laws go beyond the simple cloth of the hijab, kippah or turban. They have cut into the fabric of our society. Montreal has long been known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world; a place of tolerance, diversity and acceptance.

I have been reminded that if I do not work in the public service I will not be affected by this proposed charter and should just give up the fight. The reality is that as a mother of a little girl who will one day be not so little, I cannot bear to tell her that her future career options will have to be limited by unjust, divisive rules.

Bill 60 is government sanctioned employment discrimination, pure and simple. It is being dressed up in the veil (pardon the pun) of secularization, to marginalize religious minorities, religious identities and all those who are committed to a religion other than that which Quebec was founded upon.

Here in Montreal you can hardly give someone directions without using the words Saint, be it St. Catherine, St. Jean, St. Genevieve, the list goes on.  The cross sits atop the city at Mont Royale and is prominently displayed in the Quebec National Assembly.

Let’s stop all this pretending.  Let’s call this what it truly is: a bill that encourages intolerance, divides the population and makes visible and religious minorities into second class citizens in their own home.

Bill 60 has become the perfect vehicle for fear-mongering. Our elected officials are mandating the idea that it is not alright to be a visible religious minority and work for the government. This makes religious minorities feel like second class citizens in their home, and will lead to an even greater lack of representation among these minorities in government.

Quebec has become a laughing stock in front of the world. North American culture prides itself on its diversity, on its forward thinkingness and on its tolerance. We are the world’s example of where people’s values and beliefs are respected, and where we are free to practice our own faith. Apparently Pauline Marois failed to read that chapter of our history. It is time for the opposition to step up and stop this nonsense.

I speak up and continue to speak up about this cause because it directly affects my belle province. My parents, along with millions of others, immigrated to our great country to provide a better future for their families. For me to sit this one out and not get involved would be a disservice to my family’s presence in this country and to its wonderful people.

When Nelson Mandela passed away Premier Marois, in her tribute at the legislature in Quebec city on Thursday December 5th, was quoted as describing Mandela as a man of “peace, ideals, fight for racial equality and dignity…Some men and some women are able to move forward their societies and to make a better world,” Marois said. “Nelson Mandela was one of those men. His fight against apartheid has changed the history of a whole continent.”

I cannot help but balk at this statement. While her words are accurate and well deserved, the fact that they stem from a politician so determined on destroying the equality, tolerance and freedom of religion in this province makes me question her authenticity.

The public hearings are getting underway and it’s time to play close attention to this debacle as it unfolds. Until then I remain Canadian, Quebecker, a visibly practicing Muslim and proud.

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5 Comments

  1. As Marois utters those words about Mandela “Nelson Mandela was one of those men. His fight against apartheid has changed the history of a whole continent.” She and her party are creating an apartheid state based on neo-colonialism ideals. Jacques Brel wrote song in the 1970s talking about bigot Les bigots They talk the talk of the humanitarians but act like bullies.

    The P.Q. complains of being victims yet they victimize others by bullying them in taking off religious symbols.

  2. I saw you on CBC news today and read a few of your blog entries. You are right, this charter does no only effect those working in the public sector who wear religious symbols. It effects us all as Quebecers and Canadians.
    As a person of no particular religious affiliation, I am saddened and disturbed to see this happen in our beautiful provence. I don’t want my kids to grow up in a fascist environment, where freedom of religious expression is forbidden.
    I always thought Canada’s multiculturalism was what made it so interesting. I was always proud to be in Quebec. Now I am just embarrassed.
    I wonder if the government will take any steps to reduce the resulting increased discrimination against Muslim women. Why can’t we teach our children love, tolerance and acceptance instead of pointing out each others differences and dividing people?
    My heart is with every person who has to experience this type of discrimination. I hope this charter never comes to pass. The damage, sadly, is already done.

  3. Excellent post Fariha 🙂 I’m not very political but since Marois has been around I’ve been paying more attention and am extremely disturbed & disappointed with the hate mongering and discrimination that is taking place in QC, CANADA! I’m worried about the kids growing up in this province, even more so with bill 14 ! Not only are the religious kids going to suffer the ones that are English will have an even harder time, I feel sorry for those facing discrimination due to their religion or language. Almost feels like Marois is trying to turn QC into a foreign like run province, promoting hatred and trying to control it’s people! They say history repeats itself, I hope that’s not the case here.The minorities need to join forces and people need to realize that the “1 less vote won’t make a difference” attitude actually DOES make a difference. Do the right thing QC vote for a better Premier!

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