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As I have frequently argued in these pages, I consider the social right to see the face of any official interlocutor more compelling than indulgence of what should be acknowledged, even by those urging its acceptance, as a patriarchal culture’s symbol of misogyny and, all too often, a sign of hostility to Western cultural norms. The fact that face cover is not widespread here at present is no reason why the principle should not be legally established to nip proliferation in the bud.

Cultural diversity is desirable in a society insofar as practices accord with that society’s basic principles. Face cover in public service should offend us. That it is a Muslim custom is neither here nor there. It is not racist to adopt policies that will encourage newcomers from less gender-enlightened cultures to integrate sooner rather than later, especially when integration to a common culture rather than “post-nationalism” is the collective value.

The issue of visible religious symbols is thornier. Critics see the law as conceived in an anti-Muslim spirit. They are half right. The hijab is doubtless a major sticking point for Quebec’s “values” activists. But then, unlike the others, the hijab is far more than a merely religious symbol. Many girls and women who wear the hijab are apolitical, but the hijab can be, and often has been, a rallying instrument for political Islam.

Cultural diversity is desirable in a society insofar as practices accord with that society’s basic principles

Most notably, it is linked with the 1979 Iranian Revolution, after which the hijab became mandatory in Iran for girls aged six and older. Today it is regarded there as a symbol of government tyranny and oppression. Many courageous women have suffered persecution and imprisonment for the right to unbind their heads. They may justifiably feel triggered by having to, say, take university courses from or plead a case in a court presided over by a covered woman. An illegal resident in America would not wish to be stopped for questioning by a police officer wearing a MAGA cap. That’s how these women feel about hijabs.