CCLA submits brief opposing 'niqab ban bill'

CCLA has submitted a brief to the Quebec Legislative Assembly expressing serious concerns about the constitutionality of Bill 94, proposed legislation that would require all those requesting a wide range of public services in Quebec to show their faces.  As outlined in previous CCLA statements, the organization believes that the Bill is unnecessary, dangerously ambiguous, and would unjustifiably violate freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the right to equality.  CCLA’s brief expands on these points, and also outlines the dangerous precedent set by the bill, which is based on the assumption that the State may attach conditions to its duty to serve citizens, and establishes the principle that  citizens have a duty to identify themselves to obtain the services of the State. Typically, it is the totalitarian state that randomly requires citizens to identify themselves, demands justification for their every-day activities, and places unnecessary, discriminatory conditions on the receipt of government services.  Democratic countries, including Canada, should reject such measures.

• Read CCLA’s brief