The following article was submitted to North Renfrew Times on Sunday October 13, 2019 – which can only be published in the coming weeks.

Okay – the article was publised in the local Newspaper (North Renfrew Times   ) in their Wednesday edition dated   16 October 2019 – under the title ” Expand Bill 21″.     I do not know why they changed the title – as my article has not talked about expanding Bill 21but to revise it.

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Bill 21 – is it racist or standing for secularism

During the current Canadian Federal election , the subject of Bill 21 recently passed by the Quebec   Legislature   (on June 16 ) was much debated and talked about.

Bill 21 formally bans teachers, police officers, judges and many others from wearing items like hijabs, turbans, kirpans, and crucifixes in the course of their duties. It also doubles down on pre-existing legislation that requires citizens to uncover their faces when accessing public services like municipal transit and the legal system.

The bill has been met with controversy and confusion. Critics condemn the bill as legalizing discrimination against religious minorities, and proponents see it as Quebec finally making good on its claims of being a secular society.

For those of us not wearing any of the above mentioned religious   items   –   the law would not   really   be of much concern.    I personally do not believe that   It can be called racist   – as the law applies to anyone of any colour   and of any religious belief.     It ,   however, impinges on personal freedom of many citizens in our free democratic society.   That   goes against our Canadian values and tradition.

I think adults should be free to wear   any religious items they would like to in order to profess their   religious beliefs   -so long as they do not do so in order to just be nasty or to show off.

However,   the fate of Bill 21 will be decided in the courts.

However what is  rather unfortunate is   that  many kids are imposed upon to wear such religious items as they are growing up in   the Canadian society .   This is tantamount to be like child abuse.   They are not asked or given a choice   and their religious parents   just   put these kids in untenable situation ..

Because of such garb and attire or symbolism   imposed upon kids they go though school  getting bullied or they   are ignored by their classmates or schoolmates   and   experience   somewhat friendless  growth.

Many cannot take part in some or other sports or other cultural activities .   Girls are more affected than boys .  Let little girls have the freedom to feel the wind in their hair as they tear around the playground with their friends.

This is not good for them or for Canadian society.   Do we want that?

I strongly believe that there is nothing wrong in imparting religious teachings – which can be done   freely with Sunday schooling or at any time . But when the kids are in school or   other   activities – they should not be made to wear such religious garbs/items by their parents .

Once they reach the age of 16, they can choose to   wear such religious  items of their own free will and the Government or law should not stop them doing so.

I think   Bill 21 needs to be revised by Quebec and should address   this child abuse that is   knowingly imposed upon the kids by their so called religious parents.   If fact such revised bill is needed right across Canada.     God is giving us freedom and let   us not misuse it on our own kids.

When the kids grow up – they can choose to wear whatever   religious garb/items they want when working at   a public place – so long their faces and smiles are visible.