Canada: Québec softens ban on face coverings /update 1

Event

In the face of criticism by civil rights activists, the government of Québec announced on Tuesday, October 24, that it would soften the interpretation of the October 18 law prohibiting individuals giving or receiving a public service from wearing face coverings. The government clarified that the ban would only be in effect during the identification of a person (e.g. upon boarding public transportation with a transit pass with photo identification, registering at a clinic, or asking a question of a librarian).

Restrictions on the wearing of face coverings for public sector workers are still in effect. Religious accommodation requests will reportedly be considered but it is unclear how such requests will be evaluated.

Context

The law, backed by the center-right Québec Liberal Party, is lauded by its supporters as a move that preserves the "neutrality of the state" in religious matters, and will aid social cohesion; however, civil rights critics have denounced the new law as discriminatory against minority groups, particularly Muslim women accustomed to wearing the niqab or burqa.

Advice

Individuals in Canada are advised to adhere to all local laws and regulations.