Yesterday's revelation of Quebec's Charter of Values has me confused. Small crosses are OK, but not large ones? Star of David earrings are kosher, but not a yarmulke? The Crucifix in the Assembly is safe, but ban the hijab? And all in the name of promoting secularism?
To reiterate my earlier position, if Quebec truly wants to secularize itself, then it must do away with ALL religious references, essentially gutting the history and traditions of the province. However, I suspect that this charter of values has very little to do with secularism, and a lot to do with public masks, aka the niqab and burka.
I don't believe people should dress like ninjas when going for an afternoon stroll. I don't believe that people should dress like bank robbers when going to vote. I don't believe in forcing women to wear a niqab because she is man's property and must be hidden, or a woman choosing to wear it to keep her identity from others. If you choose to live among people, then truly live among people. Don't hide behind a mask.
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My daughter loves wearing a spider-man mask, but I forbid her from wearing it out in public. I explain to her that we need to show respect to our fellow citizens and that is why we show our faces. She is free to wear it in our home. If women love the burka so much, why don't they stick to wearing it in the privacy of their homes? Why only wear it in public? Ditto for all the Anonymous people. Stop hiding, and show your faces. If you like wearing your mask so much, do it in the privacy of your home.
So Quebec, instead of banning Crucifixes, Stars of David, and Turbans, why don't you just ban what you really want to, ALL face masks, including the niqab and the burka.
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| The top row depicts what is allowed, followed by what is not allowed in the Charter |
I believe in religious freedom. I have no issue with religious dress and accessory like the turban or the yarmulke, or even with a head veil. People can wear whatever head covering they like, and style their hair with whatever accessories. I cringe when I see people with tattoo sleeves, but I suppose they have a right to brand their body. Yes, these are all acceptable. What I do take issue with is the niqab and burka because they are masks which cover the face.
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| The Burka |
The Niqab
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| The "Anonymous" mask |