Quebec to ban niqab

chika ebuzor

June 14, 2015 6:27 PM

We are not legislating on clothing.

Niqab

In Islam, the hijab is an obligatory code of dressing for Muslim women. However, scholars say the niqab on the other hand, is not a must.

A bill to ban face coverings for people offering and receiving public services, is being considered on the floor of the National Assembly.

The bill is known as Bill 62, the neutrality bill.

According to Amira Elghawaby, Human Rights Coordinator at the National Council of Canadian Muslims,“It constantly brings into the public discourse these images of women covering their faces. As soon as that image comes into media people react to it.”

Adding that 'It reinforces the notion that Muslims are alien to this culture. But they are doctors, journalists, and scientists taking part in society and that goes missing. It becomes about this tiny minority.'

Speaking on the bill, Couillard’s Justice Minister, Stéphanie Vallée said “We are not legislating on clothing.”

She said 'Public services have to be offered and received with the face uncovered for security, identification and communication purposes.'

Canada has the second largest Muslim population.

chika ebuzor