Bill 94 Unveiled
Much debate, controversy and discussion surrounded the tabling of Bill 94.
The proposed law has rekindled longstanding issues of reasonable accommodation, gender equality and religious freedom in Quebec.
Bill 94 was tabled at the Quebec National Assembly on March 24, 2010.If passed, it would require any woman wearing a face covering to show their face prior to giving or receiving any form of government service.
The law would be the first in North America to prohibit face coverings in government buildings.
A niqab is a veil worn by Muslim women that covers their entire face except for their eyes.
There are an estimated 24-90 women who wear a niqab in the entire province of Quebec.
Premier Jean Charest cited identification, communication and security as reasons for implementing the bill.
Naema Ahmed was expelled from a French course for refusing to uncover her face, furthering the debate.
—Megan Dolski
This article originally appeared in Volume 31, Issue 21, published February 1, 2011.
