The Oxford dictionary defines “dogma” as “a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertible. By incontrovertible, one believes that something cannot be denied or disputed. “Xenophobia” is defined as “an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange”. “Secularism” refers to the view that “religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs or public education”.
Although the bill proposing a Charter of Quebec Values has as yet not been introduced, there is already a good deal of concern being expressed as to its implications, not only for Quebec but for Canada as well. Initial indications are that it will prohibit the wearing or display of religious symbols in publicly-funded institutions such as hospitals, schools, day-care centres, etc. Leaked details, published in media reports, suggest that the plan is to prohibit people like doctors, teachers and public-daycare workers from donning turbans, kippas, hijabs and visible crucifixes. The dogma here appears to be the belief that such a ban will somehow protect Quebec’s intrinsic values and culture.
According to the province’s Premier, the proposed charter would affirm, once and for all, the equality between men and women and would reflect not only “universal” values, but Quebec values as well. The position taken is one that the imposition of Quebec values through the reinforced secularization of public institutions is simply the culmination of a long process that began a half-century ago in Quebec. However, some critics of the proposal see this simply as another form of the recent emergence of xenophobia in the province as part of Quebec’s independence movement led by the Parti Quebecois. With globalization, such notions are generally seen as being outdated and detrimental to the well-being of any country: the current unrest in France often given as an example of such policies.
How the wearing of religious headwear or symbols by individuals undermines basic Quebec culture is difficult to explain. This is like the belief that openly gay teachers could influence children in some unhealthy way, in a province where the rights of gays is currently respected. To many Quebec-born residents and recent immigrants, the wearing of religious garments, headwear or symbols is an important part of not only their faith, but also of who they are as individuals. To most, being part of a society and being devoted to their faith is considered a normal part of everyday life, and not some form of dogma. Tolerance of all faiths is seen as an indispensable Canadian trait, internationally making Canada among the most recognized leaders in the effective integration of immigrants into its society. Should Quebec move forward with its proposed Charter, it may very well damage Canada’s reputation in the international arena and Quebec’s reputation within Canada. As was the case throughout history where a perception of state “persecution” existed, there is always the danger of a resulting exodus by the targeted population.
FROLITICKS 