The fate of crucifixes in hospitals
and schools left to their discretion
There will be double standards for crucifixes in Quebec institutions. If they are no longer welcome
in the courts of justice or the Blue Salon, those present in hospitals and schools enjoy greater latitude.
In the wake of the adoption on Sunday, the Law on State secularism, the crucifix installed above the seat
of the President of the National Assembly will be dropped.
Ten days ago, Justice Minister Sonia LeBel said she would do the same for 17 crucifixes that are still in Quebec courtrooms. "We will see on a case-by-case basis what we will do. Maybe it will be exposed elsewhere in the courthouse, it may be something else,
we can make this kind of decision in due time, "she said.
In the health and social services sector, however, there is more flexibility.
On Wednesday, Minister responsible Danielle McCann explained in a scrum that "for us, there is no stake at all," before saying that "institutions can make their decisions locally."As an indication, in 2017, the CIUSSS of Estrie had identified 81 crucifixes in 11 of its health facilities .
According to Ms. McCann, "the law is about very specific contexts". Indeed, the Law on State Secularism mainly concerns the wearing of religious symbols by State employees in positions of authority, but Article 16 provides some details. It states: "This Act can not be interpreted as having an effect on the emblematic or toponymic elements of Québec's cultural heritage, particularly religious cultural heritage, which bear witness to its historical course".
On the Department of Education side, we seem to be adopting a position similar to that of the Department of Health and Social Services. "The vast majority of crosses were removed from classrooms during the deconfessionalization of schools," said Le DevoirFrancis Bouchard, press secretary to Education Minister Jean-François Roberge. "If he ever survives, we rely on the good judgment of the principals.
They have the autonomy to withdraw them if they want to do it, "he added.
Radio-Canada was unable to confirm with Minister Roberge's press secretary whether a specific directive would be sent to schools.
As for the crucifix that will be dropped from the Blue Salon, before the resumption of parliamentary business in September, it will be placed in an alcove between the blue and red salons of the National Assembly.
in the courts of justice or the Blue Salon, those present in hospitals and schools enjoy greater latitude.
In the wake of the adoption on Sunday, the Law on State secularism, the crucifix installed above the seat
of the President of the National Assembly will be dropped.
Ten days ago, Justice Minister Sonia LeBel said she would do the same for 17 crucifixes that are still in Quebec courtrooms. "We will see on a case-by-case basis what we will do. Maybe it will be exposed elsewhere in the courthouse, it may be something else,
we can make this kind of decision in due time, "she said.
In the health and social services sector, however, there is more flexibility.
On Wednesday, Minister responsible Danielle McCann explained in a scrum that "for us, there is no stake at all," before saying that "institutions can make their decisions locally."As an indication, in 2017, the CIUSSS of Estrie had identified 81 crucifixes in 11 of its health facilities .
According to Ms. McCann, "the law is about very specific contexts". Indeed, the Law on State Secularism mainly concerns the wearing of religious symbols by State employees in positions of authority, but Article 16 provides some details. It states: "This Act can not be interpreted as having an effect on the emblematic or toponymic elements of Québec's cultural heritage, particularly religious cultural heritage, which bear witness to its historical course".
On the Department of Education side, we seem to be adopting a position similar to that of the Department of Health and Social Services. "The vast majority of crosses were removed from classrooms during the deconfessionalization of schools," said Le DevoirFrancis Bouchard, press secretary to Education Minister Jean-François Roberge. "If he ever survives, we rely on the good judgment of the principals.
They have the autonomy to withdraw them if they want to do it, "he added.
Radio-Canada was unable to confirm with Minister Roberge's press secretary whether a specific directive would be sent to schools.
As for the crucifix that will be dropped from the Blue Salon, before the resumption of parliamentary business in September, it will be placed in an alcove between the blue and red salons of the National Assembly.
