Quick quotes: Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to Quebec secularism law
The Supreme Court of Canada on Thursday agreed to hear a challenge of Quebec’s secularism law, known as Bill 21, which prohibits public sector workers in positions of authority, including teachers and police officers, from wearing religious symbols on the job. Here are some quotes from politicians, advocacy groups and other prominent voices on the subject.
“Quebecers have chosen secularism; it was a collective and legitimate choice that represents the culmination of decades of debate. It is crucial, even vital, for Quebec to be able to make its own choices — choices that align with our history, our distinct social values, and the aspirations of our nation …. Federal government intervention in the Supreme Court (case) would not only be disrespectful but could only be seen as an attack on the autonomy of federated states.”
— Written statement from Simon Jolin-Barrette, Quebec justice minister, and Jean-François Roberge, secularism minister
“We will be there as the government of Canada (to intervene at the Supreme Court) …. It’s not just a provincial conversation but a national question. We have to be involved as the government of Canada, because the hearing and decision will have implications on the rights and charters of the provinces — on equality, expression and religion — that will influence and impact all Canadians.