Members of the CAQ party at their recent convention have pushed for a ban on face coverings in public spaces, sparking a debate on the issue. While the proposal gained momentum, the Legault government has yet to confirm its stance.
During the convention held in Gatineau, CAQ delegates reinforced the proposal to prohibit demonstrations where individuals wear masks. The discussion took an unexpected turn when a youth wing activist proposed an amendment to extend the ban to cover all instances of face coverings.
Benjamin Archambault, a delegate from the Saint-François youth wing, argued that beyond security concerns, the ban on face coverings is a matter of principle. He emphasized the importance of not allowing some individuals, particularly women, to hide behind veils that conceal their identities in public settings.
The amendment passed by a narrow vote of 152 to 150, with even the minister responsible for secularism, Jean-François Roberge, supporting it. Roberge highlighted the necessity to consider issues of security and social cohesion in the debate surrounding face coverings.
While addressing the media, Roberge stressed the need for thorough discussions on the topic, including exploring the legal implications and balancing rights and freedoms. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, particularly regarding acceptable exceptions such as for professions like welding, specific events like Halloween, and weather-related conditions.
Despite the momentum behind the proposal, Roberge cautioned that it is premature to confirm whether the ban on face coverings in public spaces will be part of the upcoming bill focused on reinforcing secularism and restricting public prayers.
