Canada: Teen, who wants to become police officer, raises hijab debate
Quebec City, Apr 13 (IBNS): Quebec teen, who wants to become a police officer, has started the debate over the wearing of hijab (a veil) while on duty, media reports said.
Sondos Lamrhari, 17, told a newspaper that she hopes to wear hijab while on duty if she becomes a police officer.
Quebec Justice minister Stephanie Vallee told reporters that she "applauded" the choice of Sondos.
However the opposition parties disagree.
The opposition parties question the importance of wearing hijab while on duty. They believe religious head coverings have no place in police uniform.
CAQ member Genevie Guilbault said no one should be allowed to wear any religious symbols while holding on to a position.
Agnes Maltais, the PQ’s secularism critic told CTV News that when one approaches a police officer, he looks for neutrality.
"Welcome to women, [and] welcome to people from elsewhere – but everybody must play by the same rules" she told CTV Montreal.
The debate over the wearing of hijab seems to take a lead in the election, which will be held six months later.
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