Que. debate on religious issues moves to public transit

MONTREAL — Quebec’s public transportation systems are the latest target in the ongoing debate in the province over religion and identity.

Neither Montreal’s transit authority nor unions representing bus and subway drivers wanted to comment Thursday on speculation that women wearing the Islamic niqab or burqa will be prevented from using public transportation.

Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee hasn’t been able to answer the question clearly either.

The debate surfaced after Vallee on Tuesday tabled amendments to Bill 62, legislation that sets guidelines for accommodating religious requests in Quebec.

Vallee’s bill attempts to enshrine into law the policy that all people giving or receiving a service from the state must do so with their face uncovered.

“As soon as there is an interaction between the state in the citizen, the service has to be offered and received with an uncovered face,” she has said.

Tuesday’s amendments included language explicitly stating municipalities and public transportation systems would be subject to the proposed law.

Vallee has since been accused of being coy regarding details.

The justice minister was asked repeatedly during radio interviews this week whether a bus driver could reject a woman wearing the Islamic burqa or niqab.

“The objective of the bill is not to prevent people from taking the bus,” Vallee said, without responding to the questions directly.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said the provincial government doesn’t have the right to tell the city how its employees should dress.