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Quebec's Bill 62 and Bill 59 to gain political support of voters at the expense of demonising Canadian Muslims
7-15-2015
The quote from George Orwell’s book, Animal Farm, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” is becoming more of a reality in Canada, especially in terms of the rights of the Canadian Muslims. It seems as if both Quebec Provincial government, regardless of Parti-Quebecois, PQ or Liberal, along with the Federal Conservatives have made their mission to convert Canadian Muslims into second class citizens.
As we mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and indulge ourselves in multiethnic meals, inviting friends, families, including our neighbours to celebrate Eid festivities, we should also keep in mind and do discuss with others the importance of educating ourselves about issues related to Islam and Muslims in Canada, and how to address political bigotry of Federal Conservatives, and Quebec Provincial parties.
We would like to bring to our readers’ attention a creepy bill presented by recently elected Quebec provincial “Liberal” government to limit access to public services to women wearing niqab. This after just one year in power, Liberals won an overwhelming majority, after the PQ tried similar, previously legislated laws.
Of course, this is much to the delight of our Prime Minister, rather than condemning and trying to ensure equality for all of its citizens by finding ways to thwart Quebec government’s attempts to divide our civil society into various forms 0f citizens. Instead, Tim Uppal, the Conservatives Multicultural Minister, indicated that their government plans to do the same before parliament breaks for summer holidays.
Obviously, Muslims need to be aware as well as afraid as what these two governments, Provincial Quebec and Federal under Conservatives, are up to and why they are bent on demonising Canadian Muslims and making them into second class citizens.
As Muslims we should not take this matter lightly nor should we ignore it just because it’s happening in Quebec, and not in BC. As Muslims we have an obligation to stand up and speak out against injustice whether it is against us or others.
Last June, Quebec Government tabled two bills, Bill 62 (State “Neutrality” Bill) and Bill 59 (“Radicalization” Bill) to address hate speech issues, etc. Both of them titled appropriately to ensure they do not offend Canadian Muslims, meanwhile sending message to other minorities, such as Sikhs and Jews, who felt being targeted by PQ’s previous proposed legislation, “Quebec’s Charter of Rights”, “This is not a bill that legislates on clothes,” Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee said, while briefing the media.
The government won’t extend the ban to other religious symbols — even for those in authority such as judges, prison guards, police and other peace officers.
The PQ had gone further, calling for state secularism and seeking to ban the wearing of visible religious symbols for provincial employees, including hijabs, turbans, kippas and larger-than-average crucifixes.
The PQ proposed charter caused a deep rift in Quebec, with some welcoming it as a necessary measure while others blasting it as a source of division.
Clearly, the Quebec’s provincial Liberal government adopted a different tone, using word such as “Neutrality” rather than “Secularism.” This one obviously targets one vulnerable group, Muslim Women who wear niqab.
The proposed legislation, Bill 62, would ban face coverings for anyone giving or receiving government services. Under the bill, the niqab or burka would be banned for those using government institutions and those who work for the public service, for reasons of security and communication.
Federal Multiculturalism Minister Tim Uppal expressed support for Quebec’s proposed legislation. “We broadly support Quebec’s legislation regarding the uncovering of faces for giving and receiving public services,” Uppal said in Ottawa. “Our government will be moving forward in the coming days with legislation with respect to the face coverings at citizenship ceremonies, and we will consider what other measures may be necessary.”
Dear readers we urge you to keep a close eye on what some political parties are doing to gain support of their voters at the expense of demonising Canadian Muslims, which has now turned into passing laws, and it will simply not stop here. Fortunately, Canadian Muslims are not the only ones who feel this way. There is an overwhelming Canadian population who shares our sentiments and has banded together to tackle what we call “Political Bigotry” of few political parties.
Time has come that we not only unite, rather educate ourselves and support Organizations such as NCCM, in Ottawa, strengthening them financially to confront the menaces of “Political Bigotry.”
Let us remind you, if we do not stand up and fight for our lawful rights, no one else will.
Finally, we would like to extend best wishes to all Muslims on this auspicious occasion of Eid ul Fitr. May Allah accept our prayers, fasts, worship, and charity. May Allah Keep us all safe and provide the opportunity to witness Ramadan again next year (AaMeen).
Eid Mubarak to all our advertisers, readers, contributors, and suppliers.
Have a safe and Happy Eid!
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