Quebec’s religious freedom proposal

The Quebec government has just released its plan for a controversial “values charter” on religious freedom.

If passed by the legislature, it would mean a ban on religious clothing and symbols in the public sector. It would apply to every public servant, and civil authorities like judges, police and prosecutors, as well as public daycare workers, teachers and municipal workers.

Employees can be exempt from the rule if they meet four condition: the accommodation must spare them from discrimination, must satisfy gender equality, must be reasonable and must not affect personal safety.