Global Sikh Council urges UNHRC, Canadian Govt to repeal Quebec’s bill 21 banning religious articles

September 28, 2024 : Strongly condemning the Quebec’s controversial Bill 21, the Global Sikh Council (GSC), representing 32 national Sikh organizations, has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and Canadian federal government to repeal this legislation which bans public sector workers in “positions of authority” from wearing religious symbols while at work.
The GSC highlighted that this law directly violates the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a commitment upheld by the Canada, and called for immediate action from the Canadian federal government and international human rights bodies.
The GSC president Lady Singh Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur, OBE, emphasized that the Canadian constitution guarantees all citizens the freedom of religion, and Canada has ratified numerous treaties protecting ethnic and religious rights. “This Quebec legislation legitimizes discrimination against its citizens based on their religious beliefs, violating their fundamental constitutional rights”, adding she said “it sets a dangerous precedent by allowing the provincial dispensation to dictate what its people can or cannot wear and infringing on religious expression.”
She called upon the UNHRC, civil liberties organizations, Canadian MPs, and human rights groups to rally against this assault on religious freedom. She also urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to join the opposition against Bill 21 and challenge the same in international court of justice.
Stressing the global implications, GSC President noted, “Sikhs around the world are allowed to maintain their religious identity, including wearing turbans and keeping uncut hair, as part of their faith. It is unacceptable that Quebec state is enforcing laws that erode these basic rights.”
Mentionably, under the guise of secularism, Quebec’s Bill 21 prohibits teachers, police officers, lawyers, and other public employees from wearing religious symbols, such as Muslim headscarves, Sikh turbans, Jewish yarmulkes, and Christian crosses. The GSC argues that this law not only curtails freedom of religion but also creates an environment of exclusion, disproportionately affecting ethnic and religious minorities in Quebec.
“Bill 21 infringes upon the freedoms of expression and religion enshrined in Canada’s constitution. It restricts individuals who wear religious symbols from pursuing essential careers, diminishing their role in public service and stifling opportunities for professional growth,” Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur stated.
GSC President further highlighted the adverse social and economic impact of Bill 21, pointing out that many talented professionals have left Quebec to seek opportunities elsewhere in Canada. “This law is driving a brain drain from Quebec, as individuals committed to their faith are forced to move to provinces that respect their rights.”
The Global Sikh Council calls for the immediate repeal of Bill 21 and demands that all public employees, regardless of their religion, be granted the same rights to religious expression as members of Quebec’s National Assembly and provincial legislature.
“This draconian law must be overturned to restore the rights of all Quebecers and to ensure that the principles of equality, religious freedom, and inclusion are upheld across Canada,” Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur concluded.