Yahoo News Burka banned in some parts of Canada despite government opposition
The burka has been banned in some parts of Canada – but supporters are demanding that the law goes further in outlawing the face veil.
The traditional Islamic clothing has been banned by the Quebec government, making it illegal for anyone to receive or give public service with their face covered.
The controversial legislation even applies to people riding the bus.
Premier Philippe Couillard defended the legislation, saying is was necessary for security and identification reasons.
He said: “The principle to which I think a vast majority of Canadians by the way, not only Quebecers, would agree upon is that public services should be given and received with an open face.
“I speak to you, you speak to me. I see your face. You see mine. As simple as that.”
Speaking about the opposition to the ban, he added: “This has been a debate that’s been tearing Quebec apart for the past few years.
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“We need to hail this exercise. We need to remind people we are the only jurisdiction in North America to have legislated on this issue.”
Opposition has come from the province’s Islamic community, who say it targets Muslim women and violates their right to express their religion.
Ontario’s Liberal government also stated that the new law on religious neutrality runs contrary to Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and will lead to legal challenges.
When it comes to what people can & cannot wear – my position has always been known, and it’s where I’ll always be: https://t.co/Sb0CloBeLw
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 18, 2017
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government would “respect the choices made by various parliamentarians at different levels”.
However, he added: “But here, at the federal level, we defend the rights of all Canadians.”
Trudeau also tweeted a link to a speech he gave in 2015 where he condemned face-covering bans, adding that his position hasn’t changed.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims said they were “looking at its options” with regards to a possible court challenge.
