SURVEY: MOST OPPOSE SYMBOLS — UNLESS JUDEO-CHRISTIAN

While two-thirds of Quebecers support a ban on religious symbols in the public service, that support focuses most strongly on the hijab, turban, kirpan and face veil rather than the crucifix, Star of David or the kippa, a new survey suggests. The Angus-Reid poll of 1,500 Canadians found that respondents in Quebec were almost unanimous in their opposition to a public servant wearing the burka (91 per cent) or niqab (91 per cent). Opposition in Quebec to a public servant’s wearing a hijab stood at 57 per cent, while 55 per cent opposed turbans. However, just 43 per cent opposed a nun’s habit, while 32 per cent felt that a Star of David had no place in the civil service and only 27 per cent felt public employees should be barred from wearing a crucifix.