Quebec moves to ban religious symbols in public service

Canada's Quebec province on Thursday unveiled controversial draft legislation that would ban a significant section of public servants from wearing religious symbols such as a crucifix, yarmulke or hijab.

The measure -- which applies to police, teachers and others in positions of authority -- is expected to become law by June with Premier Francois Legault's government holding a majority of seats in the Quebec legislature.

But it was swiftly panned by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said:"For me, it's unthinkable (that) a free society would legitimize discrimination against anyone based on religion."
Montreal mayor Valerie Plante voiced "serious concern about the message that this bill sends to minorities about their fundamental rights."
"That should be the objective of everyone in the weeks ahead, to have a serene debate. We are responding to what a large majority of Quebeckers want."