Canadian Jews denounce ban on wearing religious symbols [View all]

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Charter designed to cement a secular society draws fire from critics citing infringement on civil liberties

By SAM SOKOL, REUTERS
09/12/2013 17:42

Jewish groups condemned a ban on the wearing of “conspicuous religious symbols” by public workers that was unveiled this week during the presentation of a Charter of Quebec Values.

Designed to cement a secular society, the charter is being pushed by the Canadian province’s government.

The charter was leaked to the press several weeks ago but was official presented only on Tuesday. It has drawn fire for what critics are calling its infringements on civil liberties.

The pro-independence government of the predominantly French-speaking province says the charter will help create a distinct identity for its 8 million people and “entrench the religious neutrality of the state.”

http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-News/Canadian-Jews-denounce-ban-on-wearing-religious-symbols-326001