Here’s the grand compromise that Quebec Premier François Legault hopes will put to bed the province’s decade-plus debate over what religious people should be allowed to wear, and in what circumstances. There is no reason to believe the people who pushed for the strictest possible regulations won’t continue to push. Bill 21 is actually more generous to niqab-wearing women than the previous Liberal government’s Bill 62: Bill 62 required an uncovered face to receive government services, period; Bill 21 only does so when it’s necessary for identification or security. If only someone with some sway, at some point, had used the proud example of a people casting off the shackles of the Church to take the thing down and argue against new restrictions on religious freedom. We heard similar shock when a recent poll found 60 per cent of young Quebecers — 90 per cent in Quebec City!

Source: National Post March 28, 2019 23:03 UTC