Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is concerned over reports that the province of Quebec will allow police to enforce the proposed secular dress code, which bans people in positions of authority in the public service sector from wearing religious symbols such as the kippah, hijab, turban and crucifix.

According to news reports, Quebec’s Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault recently said that citizens who see municipalities or school boards failing to prevent religious symbols from being worn can advise police services.

“Based on the statements made by government officials,Quebec has the potential to become a police state where the actions of civilians are supervised and controlled by police,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. “It’s extremely concerning to see the religious freedoms of Canadian citizens at stake because of the province’s proposed legislation – which really has no place in a country that thrives on freedom and human rights.”

The government is looking to pass the law by June 15.

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Media Contact:

Avital Borisovsky
Communications Associate
416-864-9735 ext. 29
aborisovsky@fswc.ca