Roger-Luc Chayer
The subject of the hour for a few weeks in Quebec and the one
the most ink after the « SNC-Lavallin Case » is certainly
the new policy of the Government of Quebec on the
secularism in public space and in the state. Although the very large
majority of Quebecers, of all political parties, beliefs and
origins are in agreement with the fact that the State of Quebec must be
visibly secular, small groups and some cultural minorities
organize themselves to express their disagreement. The emotions
are sometimes strong, some elected officials even used the term « cleansing »
ethnic group « to qualify the ban on the wearing of religious symbols
by the officials in particular. It is not necessary anyway
not exaggerate, these elected officials have also apologized for having
such remarks. But he said to himself so many things that he appeared to me
important to reposition the debate a bit on important facts.
The Premier of Quebec, Mr. François Legault, in
a speech to the nation, said in early April: « I want to say » finally!
« ; it’s a debate that has been going on for over 10 years, it’s time
that a government put in place clear rules for everything
the world ». In his speech, Mr. Legault said that the approach of
his government respects « history, values » and the will
of « a large majority of Quebecers ». « It’s time to set
rules, because in Quebec, that’s how we live, « concluded
the prime minister in his video.
Essentially, the Prime Minister introduced a bill
simple, which is not meant to punish, but to neutralize the state, like that
in many other countries and governments.
Just think of France or the municipality of Geneva
simply forbids the wearing of religious signs by his employees.
But it is also important to underline and explain that Quebec
is not at its first religious revolution. You remember
certainly from the Quiet Revolution that consisted, at the
end of the fifties and over several years, to leave the Catholic Church
state institutions such as schools, hospitals
and the ministries. Nobody died to my knowledge.
The current proposal of the Government of Quebec is only one
extension of what was started and desired by the people
more than half a century ago. It is a logical, democratic continuation
and the conclusion of a corporate change of company there
for a long time. Again, there is nothing surprising with that since
Quebec has always been at the forefront of social change.
Women’s suffrage, civil union, gay marriage,
The benefits of surviving gay spouses are valuable examples.
In conclusion, this new law is not intended to remove any rights
to anyone, but to standardize
society when it comes time to deal with state and powers
public. It’s easy to understand that for people who
do not know the history of Quebec, it may cause a
maladjustment to a new situation, but honestly,
no one asks anyone to walk naked on the street.
The state simply wants the cross on the neck, the star of David
in charm or that the Hijab are removed at work and only
when the representatives of the state must deal with the public.
It’s still not an ethnic cleansing to ask
something so normal. And then with time, very short
probably, people will adapt and we will move on,
other issues that are just as important to resolve.