The PQ goes on the offensive over values and identity...and Islamophobia

The Parti Québécois has re-opened the debate on the basic values and identity of Québec with their new Bill Aiming to Affirm the Fundamental Values of the Québécois Nation. The bill aims to modify the current Québécois «Charte des droits et libertés de la personne» with the addition of several clauses aimed at stemming the tide of «reasonable accommodation» and what they see as the destruction of the basis of Québécois society. The clauses concern: gender equality, the secular state, and the primacy of the French language.

While no Québécois would argue these principals, it is the way in which the party wishes to implement them which causes concern. The PQ wants to ban all public service employees from the wearing of any overt religious symbols, mainly the hijab. They have even put forward demands for the banning of the niqaab and burkha from the streets of Québec. These proposals stink of Islamophobia and xenophobia.

The party wants to show itself as the defender of Québec and it's distinct cultural and national identity, while at the same time trying to infringe on the cultural rights of people who are not, to use an awful phrase, «Québécois de souche». This is a mistake. Most Québécois take pride in their tolerance and welcoming attitude. They do not, for the most part, wish to see their national pride and cultural independence as an opportunity for some to start curtailing the rights of others in an attempt to protect these qualities.

It would seem that the PQ is trying to pick up the Rightist-slack left by the destruction of the ADQ and its electorate. That is not what it should be doing. The PQ has always tried to seem progressive and bold in its actions and policies, however while these proposals are bold, they are certainly not progressive: they are nationalistic in the worse sense of the word, and send the message that they are not prepared to stand up against anti-newcomer and anti-Islamic sentiments in the country.

If the PQ wants to defend the rights of the people of Québec, and reaffirm their values, then so be it, but it should be with the aim of creating a tolerant and welcoming society, something which most Québécois value fundamentally. The banning of religious symbols and dress would be a major step back in that aim.

Libellés : La question nationale, PQ, Québec

par Borges à 11:07

|