Marois defends, makes exceptions to Secularism Charter

Posted By: Dan Delmar · 8/16/2012 1:42:00 PM

PQ leader Pauline Marois faced questions for a third straight day on her party's plan to impose a Charter of Secularism on Quebec's public institutions. 

Speaking in Montreal this morning, Marois said that, in certain cases, wearing small, discrete religious symbols would be acceptable.

She said that a small crucifix necklace, for example, would be permitted. When asked by CJAD News if an equally small Star of David necklace would work, she said: "Why not?" 

The new rules would require schools, hospitals and other public institutions to appear "neutral," Marois said. Equality between men and women would also be prioritized. "Is someone against that?" she asked.

She also hinted that she would fully expect these rules to be put to a Charter challenge in court. But, she said, people have avenues to contest new laws; The PQ is against multiculturalism provisions in the Charter and Marois seems prepared for that battle.

(Listen to Marois' unedited comments on secularism by clicking play to the right)

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  1. RykE posted on 08/17/2012 07:51 AM
    In Quebec, it is called protection of 'la langue Francais'.... Elsewhere, it is called 'Racism'.

    I suggest that Mme. Marois might wish to read the Canadiancharter of rights and freedoms... Or perhaps she believes that as a politician representing a sovereigntist party, that she is above the charter.
  2. BernieM posted on 08/17/2012 10:28 AM
    My biggest issue with this idiotic platform is that she has not even been elected yet and is already talking about introducing an action that will require the government spend public money defending. Well it's not like the money is coming out of her own pocket so I guess it's not that big a deal.
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