Parti Quebecois Controversy

The Parti Quebecois has created quite a controversy not only in Quebec but throughout Canada. The government’s decision to introduce a charter of values, a divisive issue for many people, could be a ploy to generate an election and hopefully achieve a majority vote boosting them from their current minority position.

For anyone not familiar with the issue, the government would like to ban those employed in the public sector from wearing large religious symbols and certain types of clothing during their working hours. The proposal would ban burqas, turbans, large crosses and hijabs but allow small size religious items such as earrings and necklaces. Considering its voter base, the PQ would maintain the large crucifix in the Quebec legislature because of its ‘historical significance’, a somewhat devious determination.

From my perspective, the PQ idea has some limited merit. Before anyone gets too cranked up please read on. First, I agree that everyone should be able to practice whatever religious beliefs they choose. I believe that the practicing of those beliefs should not be at the expense of infringing on the rights of others, rights such as freedom from religion. Second, I also believe that every employer should be permitted to create conditions for employment. If an employer establishes a certain code of dress, such as a uniform, the prospective employee can either accept those conditions or seek employment elsewhere. One of the most important areas where a uniform acts as a symbol of authority is in law enforcement. Police officers, particularly when called to a disturbance or scene of social unrest, are expected to project an image of neutrality. Although a police officer wearing a turban or other religious item may themselves act in an objective manner, they risk being perceived as less than impartial. Uniforms are not serving their purpose when allowed to be adjusted for non-work related matters.

There are 2.1 billion Christians, 1.5 billion Muslims and 1 billion Hindus in the world. There are also 1 billion people with no religious links, including agnostics and atheists. The latter have rights too. Nowhere does it say in either the Bible or the Koran what people must wear as clothing. The Koran does say that women should dress in a manner that does not flaunt their feminism or words to the effect. Some of the various clothing attire dates back to old tribal customs with cultures that were designed to control others and restrict individual freedoms. While these controlling cultures continue to thrive in certain parts of the world, western societies have moved forward in the furthering of personal freedoms. Anyone choosing to live in a western society should not be disappointed if people are reluctant to adjust to a bygone era. It is understandable for people in western societies to ensure their freedoms will not be eventually eroded. Fear of the unknown can be a powerful motivator, especially when the alternative appears evident.  

As I have stated many times before, the world be a safer and more tolerant place if religious ideology were confined to homes and places of worship. The solution seems so straight forward.