City of ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη councillors passed a symbolic motion on Oct. 21 in opposition to Quebecβs Bill 21.
Bill 21, also known as the secularism law, bans Quebecβs teachers, police officers, judges and other public officials from wearing items like hijabs, turbans, kippas and crucifixes while at work. The law also affirms pre-existing legislation that requires citizens to uncover their faces when accessing public services, such as municipal transit and the legal system.
Councillors voted unanimously in support of the motion presented by Coun. Mohini Singh, following the suit of several Canadian cities that have already opposed the bill.
βWhen this first became law, I was aghast; I was horrified,β said Singh.
βI didnβt think me, as a little city councillor, could do anything about this. Brampton passed a motion similar to ours and then when Calgary did, I took notice.β
Singh cited a statement Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi made upon his cityβs motion against the bill: βIt is late, we are making this action late. But itβs never too late to do the right thing.β
βThis is a nasty, mean spirited, demeaning, racist law,β said Singh.
βThis doesnβt just impact the people of Quebec, this has nationwide implications.
βThis creates two classes of Canadians and it absolutely violates the very tenets on which Canadian society was built.β
Singhβs fellow councillors shared similar sentiments regarding the bill.
Despite some community pushback due to this bill being out of councilβs jurisdiction, Coun. Loyal Wooldridge said βall leaders need to speak to injustice.β
βDivision methodically happens over time with the silence of good people and I truly believe no one has the right to take away someoneβs right to practice their religion,β he said.
βDiversity and inclusion make us stronger.β
Coun. Charlie Hodge said he was βsurprisedβ this issue is still coming up.
βItβs very important for all elected officials, no matter what level theyβre at, to say that Bill 21 is wrong,β he said.
While Coun. Luke Stack said he normally doesnβt like weighing in on issues outside of the cityβs jurisdiction but this caught his attention.
βWe have worked so tirelessly and diligently towards becoming an inclusive society where all can feel the freedom to believe what they want and wear what they want,β he said.
βAs long as youβre a responsible citizen, you have the freedom to live your life the way you want.β
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michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com
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