Quebec top court strikes down parts of ‘religious symbols’ law

Canadian province’s Bill 21 bars some public sector workers from wearing hijab, yarmulkes and other religious symbols.

The highest court in the Canadian province of Quebec has struck down parts of a law that bars some public sector employees from wearing religious symbols such as the hijab on the job – but upheld most of the contentious legislation. In a 242-page decision issued on Tuesday morning, Quebec Superior Court said the legislation – widely known as Bill 21 – violates parts of Canada’s constitution, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Specifically, it said the law infringes on Section 23, which guarantees minority educational rights, as well as Section 3, which outlines the right to serve in the provincial legislature.