Montreal, Canada: Canada's Quebec province Wednesday prohibited government workers and anyone receiving government services from covering their face, in a move critics say unfairly targets Muslim women who wear a niqab veil.
The legislation applies to bureaucrats, police officers, teachers, and bus drivers, as well as doctors, midwives and dentists who work in publicly-funded hospitals or clinics.
Exceptions, however, can be made on a case by case basis.
"I should see your face, and you should see mine," Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said of Bill 62.
Speaking to reporters, he cited improved "communication, identification and safety" as reasons for the ban.
The government insisted that the law applies to all face coverings and does not target Muslim women.
But critics say it will effectively marginalize them by limiting their access to government jobs and services.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims said in a statement the law "boils down to ugly identity politics" ahead of a general election in Quebec next year.
The legislation applies to bureaucrats, police officers, teachers, and bus drivers, as well as doctors, midwives and dentists who work in publicly-funded hospitals or clinics.
Exceptions, however, can be made on a case by case basis.
Speaking to reporters, he cited improved "communication, identification and safety" as reasons for the ban.
Advertisement
But critics say it will effectively marginalize them by limiting their access to government jobs and services.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Study Abroad: Top 10 Computer Science Universities In Canada "Canada Is Country Where Guy From Punjab...": Trudeau On Meeting Diljit Dosanjh Uruguay Down Canada On Penalties To Win Copa Third-Place Playoff 25,000 Aspirants For Airport Jobs Paying Rs 22,000: A Mumbai Stampede Scare In Puja Khedkar's Disability Certificate, A Factory Address, Many Questions 4 Top Leaders Quit Ajit Pawar's Party In Major Setback After Poll Drubbing Bihar Man, His 2 Daughters, Stabbed To Death By Girl's Lover: Police "Bizarre Reason" Why No Sniper Was On Roof Where Trump Shooter Was Hiding Prank Goes Wrong: Woman Falls From 3rd Floor In Building Near Mumbai, Dies Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.