The CAQ, via the Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx, canceled the “Faith, fire, freedom” rally, which was to be held at the Quebec City Convention Center. The initiative immediately revived the debate on abortion. It was a mistake. The issue largely transcends the scope of abortion.
Law
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms states very clearly that “Everyone is entitled to fundamental freedoms such as freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of opinion, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of ‘association”. And since Quebec is governed by the rule of law, the government is subject to the law.
But, like a banana republic, the government reneged on its duty of neutrality and opted for arbitrariness. By violating several fundamental rights, he undermined the foundations of democracy and paved the way for social chaos!
Until further notice, it is perfectly legal to be pro-life. However, by expelling a group whose values it disapproves of, the government is indicating to the population that ideological banishment is entirely acceptable, even desirable. And he contributes more than anyone else to the social divide by legitimizing the discrimination, exclusion and intolerance of citizens on the basis of their convictions.
Now that the government has led by example, could a pro-life landlord in turn evict pro-choice tenants?
Could a vegan employer fire a meat-loving employee?
Could an atheist restaurateur refuse to serve a believing customer?
And could a climatoanxious doctor deprive a climatosceptic patient of care? Certainly, the government’s ill-advised initiative makes these questions perfectly legitimate.
Respect
Respecting the fundamental rights of a group in no way means endorsing its convictions. This logic, however elementary, seems to escape our brilliant elected officials who have mostly violated democracy by supporting the CAQ initiative. Do they really deserve to be in power?