MONTREAL: Covering face by means of a veil is now prohibited for the Govt.  workers in Canada’s Quebec Province.

The ban applies on bureaucrats, teachers, police officers, bus drivers, as well as doctors, dentists, and midwives who work in Govt.  hospitals or clinics.

However, depending on the situation some exceptions are admissible.

The Liberal government’s Bill 62 on religious neutrality was passed on (19th of October) Wednesday in Quebec’s National Assembly. 

While talking to the media Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard spoke about the importance of communication, identification, and safety: “We are just saying that for reasons linked to communication, identification and safety, public services should be given and received with an open face.

“We are in a free and democratic society. You speak to me, I should see your face, and you should see mine. It’s as simple as that.” 

PM Couillard welcomed the new rule and said that such steps were inevitable due to the security reasons

The National Council of Canadian Muslims held that the new rule was part of dirty political tactics ahead of general elections in Quebec next year.

Human rights activists too criticized government decision apropos banning the veil.