Following up on an electoral promise, the Quebec government recently announced its intention to adopt a charter which would prohibit the wearing of obvious religious symbols in the public service. This is very good news.
We wait eagerly for the government to clarify its intentions. But with what we know already, we can be optimistic that it will effectively solve a whole class of social problems related to religious accommodation.
The charter will clearly establish a line of demarcation between, on the one hand, the freedom of religion of those who would display openly their allegiance to a particular religious community, and, on the other hand, the freedom of conscience of others – whether they be of the same religion, or a different one, or have no religion – who should not be forced to be exposed to such displays from the state and its representatives. [The Globe and Mail] Read more
