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Outcry, Trolling After Quebec Becomes First American Region to Ban Face Veils

© REUTERS / Christinne MuschiWomen in traditional garb gather to protest against Quebec's proposed Charter of Values in Montreal. (File)
Women in traditional garb gather to protest against Quebec's proposed Charter of Values in Montreal. (File) - Sputnik International
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Quebec's decision to pass a law banning face coverings including burkas and niqabs has aroused huge debate, with commentators divided on whether the legislation will help or hinder social cohesion.

The bill was passed by the parliament of Quebec, a mainly French-speaking province of Canada, on Wednesday and will come into force by July 1, 2018. The law on religious neutrality stipulates that people working in or using public services, or on public transport, must not have their faces covered, for purposes of "security, identification and communication." 

​Some commentators on social media said that the ban is counter-productive, because it will "further oppress" women who wear face coverings by preventing them from accessing public services.

​Others accused politicians of unfairly targeting Canada's Muslim women, of whom just 3% wear the niqab, according to a 2016 survey.

​​Some people took a different approach, trolling the Quebec authorities and calling on Canadians to travel there wearing a face scarf specially for the occasion.

​​There were some voices in favor of the ban. 

​One user suggested another target for the Quebec government's sartorial laws.

​Hey American pals. If anyone jokes about moving to Canada, please inform them that Quebec citizens in niqab/burka can’t use the damn bus.

​Some social media users said that the law is unworkable, because in theory it would prevent people from wearing balaclavas or scarves over their faces in cold weather.

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