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Quebec’s Human Rights Commission is cautioning the Legault government against using the notwithstanding clause to push through legislation that would bar public servants from wearing religious symbols.

At the same time, constitutional experts say if the clause is invoked, it will probably be contested in international court, as has occurred in the past with Quebec’s language legislation.

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The Coalition Avenir Québec government is expected to table a bill Thursday in the National Assembly that would bar public servants in positions of authority, including police officers, judges, chief prosecutors and high school and elementary school teachers from wearing religious garb such as the Muslim hijab or Jewish kippah. Reports this week suggested the ban could extend to school principals, armed security officials like courthouse guards, and the speaker and deputy speaker of the National Assembly. Premier François Legault may include a grandfather clause that would recognize acquired rights.