Toronto's Globe and Mail reports on a bill gaining momentum in Quebec that would ban women from wearing head coverings like the niqab in government buildings like hospitals, schools, or other locations where public services are delivered.
"Here in Quebec we receive and we give services with our face uncovered. That's an affirmation that is novel. We believe firmly that we are within the limits of the Charter of Rights," said Justice Minister Kathleen Weil.
"It's a strong, forceful piece of legislation and it's partly because it's so simple."
As critics decried the legislation for hampering religious freedoms, the government defended it, with Premier Jean Charest saying it upholds gender equality and secularism – the values that unite Quebeckers.
