Quebec cabinet minister pulls out of charter debate because of security concerns

MONTREAL – The Quebec cabinet minister responsible for the government’s proposed charter of values has pulled out of a debate on the topic because of security concerns.

Bernard Drainville says he had no choice but to cancel his presence at Concordia University later today because there was a real risk it could get out of control.

A group opposed to the charter had promised to protest outside the event.

The Quebec Public Interest Research Group at Concordia describes the charter as xenophobic.

The secularism charter proposed by the Parti Quebecois government would ban anyone working in the public service from wearing overt religious symbols such as the hijab while on the job.

A Liberal member of the legislature and the former president of Quebec solidaire are still scheduled to take part in the debate, while the protest is expected to proceed despite Drainville’s absence.