Quebec’s Charter of Values

Quebec’s Charter of Values

 

This is not about the formation of a secular state or achieving religious neutrality. At the core of this proposed charter is the eradication of a citizen’s “individual freedom”.  This legislation will not only impact government workplaces, but will eventually transcend into society.

We accept the fact that secularism is a formidable and accepted global dogma. Quebec’s legislation is attempting to usurp an individual’s behavioral patterns by neutralizing their engrained religious beliefs. In so doing, the state is crucifying “free will”. 

While an employee is expected to conduct oneself within the prescribed workplace policy and procedures guidelines, one should not be expected to achieve that compliance by a uniform mindset.

I wear religious symbols which are not of my faith because within them there exists a religious tenet that is congruous to my own. The mechanism for secularism should be an uninhibited and unregulated spiritual renaissance which will allow Mankind to converge closer to one spiritual mind-set, and not via a hidden agenda which will allow a political dogma to establish a path to Quebec separatism.  

Global or societal consciousness should not be manufactured by political will, unless that will is formed by societal pressure. I see none of this in Quebec society. In fact, Christianity has waned while other religions have flourished. Unless the legislation is an attempt to stop non-Christian religions from flourishing then it has no purpose.  If however that is the intent, then racism is at the heart of such a charter.

Rarely do religious issues become part of an election mandate. In fact, I can only think of two; abortion and separate school funding. When not part of a political platform, religious attacks are normally given birth by the ideology of a very few sick and deranged politicians.

Symbols and vestments express not only religious faith, but so too preserve ethnicity - as does language. I would think Quebecers could appreciate the latter.

 

Thank you,
Joseph Pede