Quebec has become the first jurisdiction in North America to institute a so-called “burqua ban,” prohibiting government employees and any citizen using public services from wearing a face veil.
Provincial politicians passed the measure on Wednesday after years of unsuccessful attempts to pass similar legislation. Initially Bill 62 would only have applied to provincial public services, like universities and public health care institutions. But recent amendments have expanded the plan to cover municipal services, including public transit, meaning women can’t wear the niqab or burqa when they’re on a bus or subway in the province.
Provincial officials say the bill targets all face coverings and doesn’t discriminate against a particular religious group. But debates surrounding the measure have mostly focused on Muslim women who cover their faces.
Quebec Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee responds to the Opposition during question period Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at the legislature in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
A woman will be required to show her face “as long as the service is being rendered,” Justice Minister Stéphanie Vallée said ahead of the vote where the measure passed on Wednesday morning.
Quebec just banned face veils for people receiving government services
