The Charter of Values is the latest expression of Quebec’s dim view of multiculturalism. Among other things, the bill affirms the secular nature of Quebec’s government and denies religious requests for accommodations of dress in public sector employment: After a transition period, government workers would have to refrain from wearing conspicuous religious symbols — for instance, the Muslim hijab, the Sikh turban or the Christian cross — while on the job.

As usual, though, when Quebec veers from the Canadian path, controversy breaks out. The Ottawan government has even vowed to challenge the charter in the national courts if it passes. Critics are claiming that the bill infringes on the liberties of Muslims and other minorities. Oddly, though, they do not balk at the current ban, for all government workers, on the expression of other social or political beliefs through their attire.

For no clear reason, multiculturalists seem to think some personal preferences are more permissibly expressed by government workers than others. In any case, a truly secular state should not permit the symbols of any religion, whether of the majority or a minority, to breach the wall between church and state advocated by no less than Thomas Jefferson; hence the Parti Québécois’ decision to remove the crucifix that famously hangs in the legislature.

The charter is actually just the next logical step along the path of secularization. Until 1960, when its authority began to dip, the Roman Catholic Church held much sway in Quebec. It was only 20 years ago that Christian school boards were secularized and only 10 that Catholic and Protestant classes were moved out of the schools and into the churches. Members of the Catholic Church in Quebec used to wear religious gear in the public sector, but gradually shed it in the ’60s and ’70s. So the return of religious vestments in the public sector can be seen as a regression.

Interestingly, women in Quebec are especially likely to see it so. And indeed, the defense of gender equality is a pillar of the charter. It states that no one, man or woman, can work for the state with face covered — for instance, by the facial veils of the Muslim burqa and niqab — because such an act would imply inequality and segregation. The bill also clearly signals that no one can refuse to be served by a female public worker.