Quebec bans niqab and burkas for all those using public services in controversial move which some say will ‘marginalise Muslims’ in the Canadian province
Those affected by the law would include public-sector employees such as teachers, police officers, hospital and daycare workers
QUEBEC has passed a ban on veils which bars public workers from wearing a niqab or burka and obliges citizens to unveil when using public transit or government services.
Tonight's move has been heavily criticised with some saying it will marginalise Muslim women in the mainly French-speaking Canadian province
While the law, which takes effect by July 1, 2018, does not specify which face coverings are prohibited, the debate has largely focused on the niqab - which covers everything but the eyes.
Those affected by the law would include public-sector employees such as teachers, police officers, hospital and daycare workers.
Like France, which passed a ban on veils, crosses and other religious symbols in schools in 2004, Quebec has struggled to reconcile its secular identity with a growing Muslim population.
"We are just saying that for reasons linked to communication, identification and safety, public services should be given and received with an open face," Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard told reporters in the province's National Assembly.
"We are in a free and democratic society. You speak to me, I should see your face, and you should see mine. It's as simple as that," he said.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims said it was deeply concerned by the law's passage and was looking at its legal options.
"This legislation is an unjustified infringement of religious freedoms," said executive director Ihsaan Gardee.
The law allows for exemptions under certain circumstances, although it did not provide details. Regulations setting out how the new law will be enforced are yet to come.
Asked in the federal parliament whether he would challenge the law, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who represents a Montreal district, said he would continue to ensure all Canadians are protected by the country's charter of rights and freedoms, "while respecting the choices that different legislative assemblies can make."
France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and the German state of Bavaria have imposed restrictions on the wearing of full-face veils in public places, with Denmark on track to set its own ban.
