You are aware that the Quebec Court of Appeal recently validated the legality of Bill 21. I am in favor of the secularism of the State. However, I find that Law 21 has gone too far.
It seems to me that professional competence is what every employer should look for and prioritize. Government officials should have the freedom to wear religious clothing, jewelry and accessories of their choice, regardless of their professional status. Despite the shortage of teachers in Quebec, our political leaders prefer to hire unqualified people rather than qualified veiled teachers who, moreover, generally speak impeccable French!
As soon as it came to power, the CAQ rushed to adopt Bill 21. Where was the urgency to introduce this law? The days of influential priests in cassocks are far behind us. Our Quebec schools have been de-denominational for decades. Why not take the time necessary to listen to the recommendations of its opponents, evaluate the relevance of this law in all respects and make the required relaxations? Law 21 as it stands opens the door to intolerance, division and hostility. Our political leaders should instead advocate “living better together” and respect for cultural communities.
Most Quebec media and politicians promote Bill 21. We are told so much that this law is part of OUR values that it has become intimidating for French-speaking Quebecers to criticize it! I am sure that many of us do not support the discriminatory aspect of this law. Since its adoption, I have been ashamed of being Quebecois.
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