Ottawa, Canada: The World Sikh Organization of Canada is stunned by the refusal of a Quebec judge to hear the case of a hijab-wearing Muslim woman in Montreal. Judge Eliana Marengo said that the hijab was “inappropriate” because the courtroom is a “secular place”.
WSO President, Dr. Amritpal Singh Shergill said today, “the issue of religious head-coverings has long been decided in Canada. It would appear that Judge Marengo is ignoring both Quebec and Canadian law, which quite clearly protects freedom of religion.
The wearing of a hijab, turban, kippah or of a crucifix for that matter, does not in any way impact the secular nature of a courtroom. This is not only a human rights and constitutional matter, but one of access to justice that must be resolved immediately and could potentially have a negative impact on Canadians of other faiths as well. This is a stunningly wrong decision that must be corrected.”