Members of the CAQ, with at least one minister among them, have supported a proposal advocating for a total prohibition on face coverings in public areas. The initial resolution, brought forward by the party’s youth division during the policy convention in Gatineau, Quebec, called for stricter public safety measures, such as banning masked demonstrations and encampments in both public and private spaces.
An amendment proposed by youth member Benjamin Archambault, which garnered a slight majority from party members, pushed the boundaries further by proposing a complete ban on face coverings in public spaces. Archambault argued that in a society based on freedom and equality, it is unacceptable for certain women to be concealed up to their eyes behind a veil. He questioned why there should be exceptions for covering faces in public when it is required to reveal faces for tasks like obtaining a passport, taking exams, or driving.
Quebec Premier François Legault mentioned that his caucus has yet to take a definitive stance on the matter but emphasized the importance of considering the issue. He pointed out that other countries have implemented similar bans, prompting a need for a thorough examination of the pros and cons in the coming months.
Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge explained that a ban on face coverings would serve two main purposes: enhancing public security and promoting state secularism. However, Roberge acknowledged the necessity of critically examining the implications of such a ban from legal and rights perspectives before any decision is made.
Roberge disclosed that he supported the resolution as he believes the debate is significant, but it is premature to determine if the government would specifically ban items like the niqab. In the meantime, the minister is concentrating on introducing a bill in the fall to reinforce secularism and prohibit public prayers.
The revised resolution on face coverings did not receive unanimous approval, with 152 votes in favor and 150 opposed. Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière was among those who dissented, expressing concerns that the concept appeared overly broad and challenging to enforce.
Even Roberge, who endorsed the resolution, acknowledged that the term “face covering” might be broad, as there are legitimate reasons for people to have their faces covered in public, such as in cold weather.
