City of Kelowna councillors passed a symbolic motion on Oct. 21 in opposition to Quebec91裸聊视频檚 Bill 21.

Bill 21, also known as the secularism law, bans Quebec91裸聊视频檚 teachers, police officers, judges and other public officials from wearing items like hijabs, turbans, kippas and crucifixes while at work. The law also affirms pre-existing legislation that requires citizens to uncover their faces when accessing public services, such as municipal transit and the legal system.

Councillors voted unanimously in support of the motion presented by Coun. Mohini Singh, following the suit of several Canadian cities that have already opposed the bill.

91裸聊视频淲hen this first became law, I was aghast; I was horrified,91裸聊视频� said Singh.

91裸聊视频淚 didn91裸聊视频檛 think me, as a little city councillor, could do anything about this. Brampton passed a motion similar to ours and then when Calgary did, I took notice.91裸聊视频�

Singh cited a statement Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi made upon his city91裸聊视频檚 motion against the bill: 91裸聊视频淚t is late, we are making this action late. But it91裸聊视频檚 never too late to do the right thing.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淭his is a nasty, mean spirited, demeaning, racist law,91裸聊视频� said Singh.

91裸聊视频淭his doesn91裸聊视频檛 just impact the people of Quebec, this has nationwide implications.

91裸聊视频淭his creates two classes of Canadians and it absolutely violates the very tenets on which Canadian society was built.91裸聊视频�

Singh91裸聊视频檚 fellow councillors shared similar sentiments regarding the bill.

Despite some community pushback due to this bill being out of council91裸聊视频檚 jurisdiction, Coun. Loyal Wooldridge said 91裸聊视频渁ll leaders need to speak to injustice.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淒ivision methodically happens over time with the silence of good people and I truly believe no one has the right to take away someone91裸聊视频檚 right to practice their religion,91裸聊视频� he said.

91裸聊视频淒iversity and inclusion make us stronger.91裸聊视频�

Coun. Charlie Hodge said he was 91裸聊视频渟urprised91裸聊视频� this issue is still coming up.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 very important for all elected officials, no matter what level they91裸聊视频檙e at, to say that Bill 21 is wrong,91裸聊视频� he said.

While Coun. Luke Stack said he normally doesn91裸聊视频檛 like weighing in on issues outside of the city91裸聊视频檚 jurisdiction but this caught his attention.

91裸聊视频淲e have worked so tirelessly and diligently towards becoming an inclusive society where all can feel the freedom to believe what they want and wear what they want,91裸聊视频� he said.

91裸聊视频淎s long as you91裸聊视频檙e a responsible citizen, you have the freedom to live your life the way you want.91裸聊视频�

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michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com
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