'It's their choice': 3 Muslim women weigh in on Que. face-covering law

Some Saskatchewan residents are concerned howfellow Muslim women in Quebec will be viewed and treated after the passing of a controversial face-covering law.

On Wednesday, a lawthat mandates peoplereceive and give public services with their faces uncovered was passedin Quebec's National Assembly.

It's been called a religious neutrality law, and it prohibits public sector employees, including dentists, doctors, teachers, midwives and daycare employees, from covering their faces.

Idon't know how I would be able to go out in public without myhijab. It's just so important to me.- RinadRamadan

The law does not specifically mention the niqab or burkatraditional face-covering garmentsworn bysome Muslim womenbut with the law women willhave toremove their niqab or burka to take public transitor work in the public sector.

"I think it's really unfair," Rinad Ramadan said, notingshewears ahijabbecause it's her choice.

In her experience, people seem to think Muslim women are "oppressed or forced" into wearing a niqab, hijab or burka,but she said that's not the case.

"It'stheir choice, too," she said. "Theywould think it's oppressive for the government to not give them their right to wear what they want."

Ramadan said Bill 62 is actually what will oppress women. She said it might be hard for people to imagine why women would choose to wear a face or head covering, but encouraged people to put themselves in the women's shoes.

"For me, Idon't know how I would be able to go out in public without my hijab. It's just so important to me."

Anam Jamhaedis divided on the issue.

At one point,Jamhaedlived in Pakistan and covered her face, but in Canada she chooses to just cover her hair.

"On one side, I thinkit's fair thatwhen you are in public and you are dealing with public that you have face uncovered," she said.

Jamhaed said that might be reasonable because of the increasing level of threats and terrorist attacks around the globe.

"On the other hand, everyone should have the freedom to dress however they want."

Jamhaed thinks the law will marginalizewomen.

On Thursday, Prime Minister JustinTrudeausaid itwasn't up to the federal government to challenge the legislation, but that he would"always defend" people's rights under the charter.

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The law has been difficult forDorreyaElSebaeeto hear about.She has livedinSaskatoonfor about two months and previously livedin Egypt.

"Ithink it's a shame because Canadais an open-minded culture and they havediversity of peoples," she said.

ElSebaeesaid the Canadiansshould accept each other, regardless of what one wears.

She said people should be treated like people rather than a piece of cloth.