MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Quebec National Assembly has passed a legislation, obliging the region’s residents to uncover faces when giving and receiving public services, according to the assembly’s meeting minutes.
The Act to foster adherence to State religious neutrality, also known as Bill 62, forbids public service employees, including doctors, teachers and kindergarten workers, to cover their faces. It also stipulates that people should uncover their faces when receiving public services.
Quebec law against head coverings in public transportation https://t.co/BERfjH4q5t #jlabnews
— Maddie Smith (@maddieismith) 19 октября 2017 г.
"We are just saying that for reasons linked to communication, identification and safety, public services should be given and received with an open face … We are in a free and democratic society. You speak to me, I should see your face, and you should see mine. It's as simple as that," Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard told reporters, as quoted by CBC News media outlet.
Canada thus becomes the first country in North America to ban the wearing of a burqa and niqab.
The adoption of law has caused strong objections from Canada’s Muslim population and human rights campaigners. The law is expected to enter into force in June 2018.
