(CBC) The mayor of Quebec’s biggest city accused the provincial government on Tuesday of rushing ahead with a controversial proposal to restrict religious symbols without considering the harm it will cause Montreal’s diverse population.
At a legislative hearing in Quebec City, Valérie Plante said the government had failed to take into account how Bill 21 — the so-called secularism bill — will impact minority communities in general, and immigrant women in particular.
“I am totally aware that Montrealers are not unanimous in their opinions about this bill,” Plante said in her opening remarks to the committee.
“But I consider it my duty, as mayor of Montreal, to speak for those who will be affected by this law.”
