Fatima Houda-Pepin quits Quebec Liberal caucus

Fatima Houda-Ppin has left the provincial Liberal caucus after being given an ultimatum about her pro-secularismstance by party leader Philippe Couillard.

The MNA representing the electoral district of La Pinirequit the caucus early Monday evening, after Couillard made it clear that Houda-Ppin would have to toe the line or get out.

"At the end of the day, today, this is where the buck stops. At the end of the day we will have to all be in agreement," Couillardsaid earlier Monday, before going into a five-hour-long Liberal caucusmeeting to discuss the party's stance on the secular charter.

"I am very serene.I defended my convictions and that, I will never regret," Houda-Pepin said.

• Fatima Houda-Pepin breaks Liberal ranks on charter debate

Born in Morocco,Houda-Pepinis the only Muslim woman inthe national assembly. She said the cause of secularism is one close to her heart.

Ive spent 30 years of my life fighting integralism [fundamentalism]. Icant saythat the door is open to everyone while at the same time continue fighting against integralism, said Houda-Pepin.

'No space for me' in Liberal party: Houda-Pepin

Houda-Pepin has been outspoken about her position on the proposed secular charter for months.

This is the straw that broke the camel's back," wrote Houda-Pepin in a letter to The Canadian Press last November. "Gender equality is a fundamental right in an era of fundamentalism. We must protect it, defend it and not put it at risk."

I defended my convictions and that, I will never regret.- Fatima Houda-Pepin

Couillard and the Liberals have recently been facingcriticism over not taking a firm stand on the secular charter. He said he was disappointed in Houda-Pepin's decision to leave over the issue.

Im not happy.Its not a happy event.But it had to stop,"Couillardsaid.

She said she was disappointed in Couillard's ultimatum. Sheasked if she could remain in the Liberal caucus, but she said the party leader told her no, because he wanted all his Liberal membersbehind him.

"I feel very sorry because Iam a Liberal,Iam a strong Liberal and a strong federalist,and Iworked so hard for theLiberal Party for almost 20 years, and there is no space for me," she told reporters after leaving the caucus meeting.

She said she would continue to sit at the national assembly as an independent.