CANADA: Quebec passes controversial face veil ban

Quebec has passed a contentious law that would make it illegal for Muslim women, and other individuals, who cover their faces to receive public services, including riding public buses. Members of the provincial legislature voted 65-51 in favour of the legislation on religious neutrality, known as Bill 62, on Wednesday morning. The law forces citizens […]

Quebec has passed a contentious law that would make it illegal for Muslim women, and other individuals, who cover their faces to receive public services, including riding public buses.

Members of the provincial legislature voted 65-51 in favour of the legislation on religious neutrality, known as Bill 62, on Wednesday morning.

The law forces citizens to uncover their faces in order to receive or give public services in the French-speaking province.

It applies to provincial and municipal employees – including doctors, nurses, teachers and day-care workers, and public transit workers.

Shaheen Ashraf, a board member with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women based in Montreal, said she was “disturbed and unsettled and upset” that the legislation was passed.

Muslim women in Quebec “are feeling targeted” by the law, which is the latest in a series of attempts by the provincial government to “raise the issue of Muslim women’s attire”, Ashraf said.