The Supreme Court of Canada is set to decide on a challenge to Quebec’s Bill 21, which restricts religious symbols for public workers.
Montreal: The Supreme Court of Canada is gearing up to decide if it will hear a challenge against Quebec’s Bill 21. This law, which was upheld by the Quebec Court of Appeal, bans certain public workers from wearing religious symbols while on the job.
Groups like the National Council for Canadian Muslims and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association are pushing for the Supreme Court to take a look at this issue. They believe it’s crucial for protecting the rights of individuals affected by the law.
Samer Majzoub, president of the Canadian Muslim Forum, expressed his hope that the court will support Canadians’ rights. He emphasized that everyone deserves protection under the law, and it would be shocking if the court ruled otherwise.
The challenge raises important questions about minority rights and whether the Quebec government can change fundamental rights without judicial review. It also examines the use of the notwithstanding clause, which lets the government bypass certain rights.
Back in 2021, the Quebec Superior Court gave a partial win to the English Montreal School Board by exempting them from the law, but that decision was later overturned.
Idil Issa, a law student and activist, hopes the court will strike down Bill 21 and push the government to create a more constitutionally compliant version. She believes that while secularism is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of civil liberties.
The Quebec government stands firm, arguing that the law is reasonable and plans to defend it vigorously. Advocacy groups, however, argue that it violates human rights and is discriminatory.
Majzoub hopes the court will accept the appeal, urging society to support women from diverse backgrounds. Issa is confident that the case will be heard, emphasizing the importance of this legal battle.
