LETTER

LETTRE

Québec is proud of Law 21

 

    In his editorial of 22 December: Re Mr Périès on Law 21, Brian Rock writes that ‘’Law 21 is an international embarrassment to all Québecers!’’ and states that it contradicts the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms of Québec (1975- chapter c-12, section 3) but without explaining why Law 21 puts a limit on certain freedoms of religious expression.
    History shows that all religions are human inventions that have been used to dominate and divide people. While these religions have done a lot of good they also have led to countless wars and indescribable violence all over the world.
Canada’s indigenous peoples are still in trauma due to religious abuse.
    "Symbols of religion" are publicity for that religion and can therefore be seen as a lack of respect for other religions.
    Law 21 bans the wearing of any religious symbols by government employees in position of authority to show that religion should not have any impact on that authority. The Québec government has removed the Crucifix from its Assembly Room to show that Law 21 does not discriminate against any religion.
    The vast majority of Québecers support this law.
    Unfortunately many political leaders in Canada, sadly including Prime Mminister Trudeau,  use Law 21 as a political football to score points with minority groups. That’s not leadership. We need leaders that educate the population
about the need for neutrality of religion in public affairs (ie, laicity of the state).
Henri Denolf
Aylmer