Canadian Council of Muslim Women rejects outright the adoption of Bill 21

Written by Canadian Council of Muslim Women

Published in News

Premier François Legault has forced the passage of Bill 21 hence disregarding due process.

By all accounts, this legislation primarily targets Muslim women, in particular, those wearing the hijab or the niqab.

Even more worrisome is the speculation about having a task force to monitor the implementation of Bill 21. This brings to mind the hated and so much despised policies in the most repressive regimes.

How could this happen in Quebec?

Bill 21, now adopted as law, will go against the declared principles of Quebec for empowering women and advancing equality between men and women. Quite to the contrary, it will roll back any progress achieved over many years.

In the public positions deemed of authority, those who are already employed will see their opportunities for advancement denied and those who aspire to join will find their candidacy automatically rejected.

CCMW views with deep concern these consequences not only on the Muslim women wearing a religious symbol but all faith groups.

In fact, Bill 21, now officially having acquired the status of law, paves the way to legitimizing state discrimination and marginalization.

It will only foment Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and hate against all faith communities who practice their faith in peace and contribute to Quebec's social and economic prosperity.

CCMW views the adoption of Bill 21 as a sad day for Quebec and Quebecers.

Canadian Council of Muslim Women

The story of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) begins in 1982 when a group of dynamic and devoted Muslim women from across the country congregated in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Led by the late founder of CCMW, Dr. Lila Fahlman, these women sought to mobilize their passion for social justice and faith in order to enrich their communities and work towards the common good of Canadian society.

This inaugural meeting led to the establishment of CCMW, a not-for-profit organization that works to provide equity, equality and empowerment for all Canadian Muslim women. For the past 30 years, its proud and accomplished roster of members have achieved and continue to achieve great milestones for Muslim women and Canada’s multicultural landscape. As a highly diverse organization, CCMW is firmly committed to the overarching vision of improving the status of Muslim women to remain true to their Islamic heritage and Canadian identity.