By Mumtaz Saley

13/09/2019

Two Muslim teachers in Canada’s second-largest city of Montreal were fired from their jobs after refusing to remove their headscarves at work. This comes after the controversial law to ban public employees from wearing religious symbols.

The proposal to ban religious symbols was introduced in the Canadian province of Quebec last June. The law prohibits civil servants, teachers, lawyers, bus drivers and other people who interact with the public from wearing religious symbols, including the turban, kippah, and cross. However, in recent weeks the focus of controversy has been on headscarves worn by Muslim women.

Speaking of the recent firing incidents, Jean Francios Roberge, Minister of Education in Quebec, said that it was no surprise since the ban in now the law, and this law will be enforced.

“Every school has an obligation to enforce the law. Those who do not comply will face a penalty.’ he said.

The controversial Bill 21 stirred fiery debate and thousands of demonstrators participated in a recent march in Montreal.

Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the country; even though Muslims only represents 3% of Quebec’s 8.3 million people.