Muslim groups in Quebec oppose proposed ban on religious symbols for primary students
The Parti Québécois government's proposed ban would cover the hijab, kippah, turban and cross in primary schools.
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A proposed Quebec government ban on visible religious symbols for primary school students would cover the hijab, kippah, turban and cross.
The National Council for Canadian Muslims gathered Thursday afternoon in front of Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's downtown Montreal office to oppose the proposal. The Canadian Muslim Forum issued a statement the same day calling on the government to reconsider. The forum argues the ban infringes children's freedom of conscience, limits equal access to public education, could deepen divisions, and could reinforce stereotypes about religious minorities.
Education leaders have also raised concerns, warning the measure could strain school-family relationships and lead some students to disengage from school.
The government's position is that its commitment is non-negotiable. The government has not given a cost, a legal basis, an implementation date or a vote timeline, and has not said how many students or schools would be affected. It has not responded publicly to Thursday's gathering.
How many students and schools would the ban affect?
What is the legal basis and timeline for the proposal?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
