Highlights of Quebec’s values charter

QUEBEC – The Parti Quebecois government tabled its values charter on Thursday as Bill 60. Some highlights:

— Affirms the notions of religious neutrality of the state and of the equality between men and women.

— Makes it mandatory for public-sector employees and people they are serving to have their faces uncovered.

— Prohibits members of public bodies from wearing objects such as headgear, clothing, jewelry or other conspicuous adornments that overtly indicate a religious affiliation.

— Provides for ”dialogue” with a supervisor for a first offence before disciplinary measures apply. Failure to comply can lead to a firing. Compliance would be treated as a mandatory job condition.

— Provides for a five-year five-year transition period, with health-care institutions granted a longer phase-in.

– States that the primacy of French will be added to the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms, setting up a potential legal conflict with the Canadian Constitution.

— Quote: “We want this debate to take place in a serene atmosphere – a serene and respectful atmosphere.” — Premier Pauline Marois.