Québec solidaire’s proposal to allow everyone to wear religious symbols finally brings a wind of coherence to Quebec’s political landscape.
Instead of a step backwards towards the long-standing dominance of the (Catholic) religion in all political spheres, we should see this as a trivialization of religious decisions and individual spiritual practices.
Clothing does not convert anyone
One of the main problems with the current Law 21, which bans the wearing of religious symbols by those who claim to be “in a position of authority,” is that it primarily discriminates against women who choose to wear the veil .
Why ? Because it is argued that the veil is a symbol of the oppression of Muslim women and that just looking at it would constitute dangerous proselytization for the weak minds of our children.
If there was any truth to this claim, Quebec would today be populated mostly by priests and nuns, since all children born before the Silent Revolution were exposed to the sight of cassocks and veils throughout their upbringing.
Let’s be consistent!
Of course, some will say that the law is non-discriminatory, that it targets all religions, and that believers need only remove their religious symbol if they wish to obtain a job of their liking. .
What I hope is that candidates who say they are “against” wearing religious symbols will be asked how they feel about abortion rights.
“Of course it is a sacred right that a woman can make decisions about her body! »
“Ah, but no, a woman can’t decide what to wear when she wants to work in a school, that’s indoctrination. »
Spare me the “You’re comparing apples and oranges,” a woman can decide for herself or not.
If we exclude certain women from careers they would like to have because of a personal choice, what will we be depriving them of tomorrow?
