Canada’s top court to hear challenge to controversial Quebec secularism law
GuardianJAN 19
Canada's Supreme Court to Hear Quebec Religious Symbol Ban Case
Above: The Canadian Supreme Court in Ottawa. Image copyright: Richard Lautens/Contributor/Toronto Star via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
It doesn't matter how many plaintiffs challenge this law or what the courts rule, Quebec has the right to make its own decisions and will defend this law for perpetuity. The law is moderate and popular among the people of Quebec. There's no reason why it shouldn't stand.
Narrative B
It's important that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case because it gives hope that this law — which violates Canadians' civil rights and freedoms and disproportionately affects religious minorities — will be overridden. This unconstitutional law shouldn't withstand a challenge to the notwithstanding clause.