An Act for respecting the laicity of state.
According to this act, there would be equality between genders. Hijab and Nikab would be prohibited to serve or use public services in Quebec. No religious symbol would be allowed while working in any government position. There is mention about weapon as well.
Charter of rights and freedom would be altered.
Under such new act and law, Sikhs would be affected as well. Sikhs has two visible symbols: Karra and Kirpan. Turban certainly becomes questionable if hijab is.
But Hijab and Turban have its distinct aspects. Hijab is for woman only. But turban is for man and woman and does not fit in act's rationale of creating gender equality.
Moreover turban is a traditional attire that is used worldwide regardless of religion. It is not religious symbol for lot of communities. Like Rajpoots in Rajasthan, Muslims in Saudi Arab and other places, African women also seen wearing turban. So banning turban under this act is unconstitutional and against charter of human rights and freedom. Even use of turban under new laicity act is justifiable because Sikh man and woman both wear turban, hence do not create gender inequality. Turban is part of human clothing requirement and not merely a symbol. If turban is targeted under new act then certainly it challenges charter of human rights and freedom.
Karra and Kirpan would be a seperate issue but again it does not challenge gender equality. Because both Sikh man and woman wear Karra and Kirpan.
So Sikhs equally would face difficult time in Quebec to serve in any government positions and they might have to challenge the new act to make accomodations in the new act.
As armed forces when entering court or parliament are required to deposit their weapons before entering and special safe place is arranged for deposit Sikhs may agree to the same provided Akal Takht Sahib approve it. Chances are slim and near to zero. It means Quebec would find itself in tough position to impose it on Sikhs.
Contrary to above is matter of Hijab and Nikab. If only woman is required to wear it and not man then it really make it hard to challenge the new act.
As far Karra is concerned, if woman would be allowed to wear any jewelry under this act then Karra would equally be allowed.
Guru Gobind Singh himself denounced the use of religious symbols. As we know Guru Sahib says:
Kahoo Lai Paahan Pooj Dhharraeo Sir Kahoo Lai Ling Garae Latkaio
Guru Nanak Sahib also denounced Hindu baptism symbol of sacred thread and refused to wear it.
Thag na indri Thag na nari
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