Lawyer argues in favour of temporary suspension of Quebec’s face veil law

MONTREAL — Quebec’s controversial face-covering law is being tested for the first time before the courts as opponents argue for a temporary suspension of a key section. A Quebec woman who wears the veil, the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association launched the challenge last week.

Lawyer Catherine McKenzie asked the court today for a temporary suspension of the section of the law that forces public sector employees and private citizens to have their face uncovered when giving or receiving public services. McKenzie argued the article in question violates the right to equality and freedom of religion, which are guaranteed by the Quebec and Canadian charters, and should be declared invalid. McKenzie told Quebec Superior Court Justice Babak Barin the matter is urgent, given the significant impact on Muslim women who wear the veil on a daily basis.

She added the damages to those women would be irreparable.