Quebec tables new religious neutrality bill banning face coverings

Quebec is again taking steps aimed at barring public servants from wearing face-covering religious garments at work, and preventing members of the public from covering their faces while receiving government services.

However, Bill 62the neutrality billtabled Wednesdayin the National Assemblydoesn't go as far as the previous Parti Qubcois government's efforts to ban all religious symbols.The province would accommodate those symbols under certain conditions.

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"We don't judge people for their beliefs or absence of beliefs," said Quebec Justice Minister Stphanie Valle.

"We are convinced the way we are approaching this is respectful and will be a plus for society."

According to the bill, titled the "Act to foster adherence to state religious neutrality and, in particular, to provide a framework for religious accommodation requests in certain bodies," officials could refuse anaccommodation request for security or identification reasons.

Feds to follow Quebec's lead

Canada'sMulticulturalism Minister, TimUppal,weighed in on Bill 62.

"We broadly support Quebec's legislation regarding the uncovering of faces for giving and receiving public services,"Uppaltold reporters after the Conservative caucus met on Parliament Hill.

Uppalsaid the Conservatives will table a last-minute bill -- just before the session ends for the summer -- that is similar to Quebec's but would be more limited in scope.

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"Our government will be moving forward in the coming days with legislation with respect to the face coverings at citizenship ceremonies, and we will consider what other measures may be necessary," the minister said.

Two billstabled at National Assembly

The neutrality bill was one of two, tabled Wednesday in Quebec City by the provincial justice minister,on the most controversial issues facing the Liberal government.

Valle alsotabled Bill 59, aimed at fighting hate speech.

She said Bill 59would establish a new process to report any cases of hate speech or speech inciting violence to the Quebec Human Rights Commission.

The proposed legislation wouldalso give thattribunal new responsibilities and new investigative powers concerning hate speech, she said.

The legislation also permits the creation of an online list containing names of anyone convicted of promoting hate.