Monsef not wading into hijab debate, lauds diversity
A few days after newly appointed Quebec Status of Women Minister Isabelle Charest called the hijab a symbol of oppression, federal Status of Women Minister Maryam Monsef stated that Canada’s diversity “is a source of strength” — and she thinks politicians need to work on “bringing people together.”
Charest made the hijab comment at a news conference Thursday to announce her new appointment; she’d been asked what she thought of the head scarf debate in Quebec, The Canadian Press reported.
“The hijab is not something that women should wear,” Charest said. “It symbolizes a form of oppression toward women, the fact that they have to cover themselves up. It is not in my values and I think women should be free to wear what they want.”
Charest didn’t back down the next day, The Montreal Gazette reported, when opposing parties denounced the remarks as divisive.
Instead she went further, saying all religious symbols can be a sign of oppression, The Gazette reported.
“I don’t regret the way I answered the question,” The Gazette quoted her as saying at a morning meeting of the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) caucus.
“When a religion dictates clothing or something, for me, this is not freedom of choice. When someone does not have freedom of choice, for me it’s a sign of oppression.”
In a written statement to The Examiner, Monsef — who is Muslim — didn’t specifically wade into the debate about the hijab.
“The values that define Canada include respect and openness toward our full diversity,” she stated.
“Our country’s diversity is a source of strength and we, as politicians, need to focus on bringing people together. As minister for women and gender equality, I am working to create conditions where all Canadian women have the best chance to live safe, healthy and productive lives. I look forward to working with my Quebec counterpart to do so.”