Last year worrying reports were leaked to the media which outlined plans on Quebec restricting religious based clothing for public employees. The plans even came with pictograms of the dos and don’ts for Sikhs, Jews, and Muslims along with Christians wearing cross pendants. This year the plans have made  headway and the government is preparing to introduce the legislation, as the move comes to fruition Isabelle Charest the Women’s Minister in Quebec said the headscarf “is not something that women should be wearing.” She believes women should not wear the garment and objects to it because it represents a command for women to cover themselves.

Charest was elected in October 2018, she is also the Junior Education Minister and a former Olympic Short-track speed skater.

How is this real? A Quebec values charter pictogram showing which religious symbols are permitted and which are not. pic.twitter.com/UCEgUacU2V

— Ellen (@mejeffries) September 11, 2013

Current opposition leader Pierre Archand has called for more tolerance and is in favour of freedom of choice. Others have commented that comments like this only lead to division and target visibly Muslim women.

I mean, I think high heels are a symbol of oppression but who am I to tell you to stop wearing them 🙄 https://t.co/L9feQ7nA0m

— Ginella Massa (@Ginella_M) February 6, 2019

Speaking to reporters after being named to the portfolio Tuesday, Isabelle Charest said the Muslim head scarf does not correspond to her values and she believes it is “not something women should be wearing.”https://t.co/UF296RpH8L

— The Muslim Vibe (@themuslimvibe) February 6, 2019

“The hijab is not something that women should wear,” said Quebec Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Isabelle Charest. “I think women should be free to wear what they want.”

How can these two thoughts exist simultaneously in one brain? https://t.co/Ll5nNCNJtU

— Shahed Amanullah (@shahed) February 6, 2019

Quebec’s new minister responsible for the status of women says the Muslim hijab is a symbol of oppression, and that it shouldn't be worn. https://t.co/rIlH5QocTO

— TorontoStar (@TorontoStar) February 6, 2019