fbpx
CIJA
  • Mail
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • Media Requests
  • Français
Menu
  • About CIJA
      • Who We Are
        • CIJA-nav-aboutAbout Us
        • Untitled-3The CIJA Team
        • Untitled-2Board of Directors
        • nav-faqFAQs
      • What We Do
        • Our Work
          • Training Sessions
          • National Community Security Program
          • Campus
          • Government Relations
          • Community Relations
          • Canadian Rabbinic Caucus
          • Educational Missions to Israel
        • Campaigns
          • BUYcott Israel
          • Size Doesn’t Matter
      • Become an Advocate
          • Training Sessions
            • Bridging the Gap: Government Relations Strategies for Organizations
            • Citizen Journalism: The Power of Digital Advocacy
            • Exploring Bias: “Fake News” and the Media
            • Government Relations 101: Making Your Voice Heard by Elected Officials
            • Israel 101: Back to Basics
            • Managing the Unexpected: Crisis Communications
            • Talk the Talk: Spokesperson and Leadership Media Training
            • The Science of Changing Minds: Strategic Tools for Advocates
            • Survey Says: Speaking with Canadians About Israel
            • “Undergradvocate”: Grassroots Political Organizing on Campus
            • NCSP: Securing Canada’s Jewish Community
          • Campus
            • FAQs: Ten Big Questions You Might Face On Campus
            • Downloads
            • Israel Young Leaders Program
          • Speak Up
            • The Exchange
            • Action Alerts
            • Write to Your Local Paper
      • Get Involved
          • Get Involved
            • Local Partner Councils
          • Internships & Opportunities
            • Jobs
            • Parliamentary Internship Program
            • Candidature au stage parlementaire provincial de CIJA-Québec
    • Close
  • Make an Impact
      • Learn More
        • About Us
        • CIJA’s Team
        • FAQ’s
        • CIJA Priorities
        • Shared Values
        • Canadian Rabbinic Caucus
        • Missions
        • Resources
        • Size Doesn’t Matter
        • BUYcott Israel
      • Speak Up
        • The Exchange
        • Citizen Journalism: The Power of Digital Advocacy
        • Managing the Unexpected: Crisis Communications
        • Talk the Talk: Spokesperson and Leadership Media Training
        • Survey Says: Speaking with Canadians About Israel
        • Contact
      • Take Action
        • CIJA Near You
        • Internships and Opportunities
        • Action Alerts
        • GTA Community Advisory Committee
        • Local Partner Councils
        • BUYcott Israel
        • Democracy in Action
    • Close
  • CIJA Priorities
  • Resources
  • News
      • CIJA Press Releases
      • Government Statements
      • Yesterday in Parliament
      • Canada-Israel Cooperation
      • United Nations
      • Israeli Politics
      • Israel-Palestinian Peace Talks
      • Antisemitism
      • BDS
      • Campus
      • CIJA Publications
      • Hamas
      • Israel Science and Technology
      • Israeli Culture
      • Judaism
      • Middle East
      • Iran
      • A Word from Our Chair
      • Holidays and Commemorations
      • CIJA-nav-press
      • cija_showcase_nav
      • nav-the-exchange
    • Close
  • CIJA Near You
      • CIJA Near You
      • The Community Connections Guide
    • Close
  • Support CIJA
    • Close
Press Release: CIJA Voices Opposition to Bill 21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2019

Press Release: CIJA Voices Opposition to Bill 21

Montreal, QC – Today, the Government of Quebec tabled Bill 21: An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State. This Bill proposes to enshrine state secularism in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, while prohibiting the wearing of religious symbols by state officials vested with coercive authority, and by teachers and principals in public schools.

In response, Rabbi Reuben Poupko, Co-Chair, CIJA-Québec, issued the following:

“The Jewish community of Quebec supports the religious neutrality of the state and recognizes that secularism has historically protected freedom of religion and conscience. While we welcome the exemption to private schools, we are firmly opposed to any restriction of the freedom of religion of individuals in the name of secularism.

“Our community believes that the secularism of the state is an institutional duty and not a personal one. The commitment to secularism does not rest on the outward appearance of individuals. Any legislation that aims to restrict individual freedoms must pass the test of its constitutionality and in this regard, we are troubled by the inclusion of the notwithstanding clause to shield this legislation from a legal challenge.

“We are closely studying this Bill and are committed to participating constructively in the special consultations in order to voice our community’s concerns and opposition.”

-30-

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada including Montreal’s Federation CJA

 

Français
Uncategorized
Posted on March 28, 2019
Updated on August 1, 2019

Media Requests

Are you a member of the media with questions?

Reach out

CIJA Security

Community Security is CIJA’s top priority.

Report an Incident

Join Our Mailing List

Receive updates on issues.

Areas of Interest

© Copyright 2015 CIJA. All rights reserved.
Legal and Privacy Information