The Verdict on Law 21: Where Do We Go From Here?

Last Tuesday Justice Marc-André Blanchard ruled that secular law, Law 21, is constitutional. Most of the law was upheld, while the clause concerning English-language school boards and banning members of the provincial legislature from wearing face coverings was annulled.

However, activists challenging Law 21 are not finished their work. Campaign coordinator for Non à la loi 21 Ehab Lotayef joined Local 514 host Savanna Craig to discuss how to move forward following the judgement on Law 21.

Ehab is not surprised by the ruling by Justice Marc-André Blanchard, but says that challenging Law 21 will continue. He tells us how he is continuing to challenge Law 21 and the process moving forward with Law 21 in the courts. Currently the Quebec government has appealed Justice Blanchard's decision, in disagreement with excluding English-language school boards and members of the provincial legislature from being included within this law. 

He discusses how Law 21 will not be the end of laws targeting minorities, as in the past we've seen similar laws that have targeted minority groups, as Ehab draws on Bill 101 and Bill 62. Bill 101, The Charter of the French Language, defined French as the official language of the provincial government, stating that French must be the language used in work, business, education, administration, legislation and the in courts.

Bill 62 was passed by the former provincial Liberal government in the fall of 2017, banning those with face coverings from delivering or receiving public services. The law was suspended and the Liberal government did not appeal, planning to instead fight for Bill 62 if they were re-elected.

Ehab also discusses specifics within his activism around Law 21, the importance of gaining allies who may not currently be affected by this law, but may be affected by other laws impacting minority groups in the future.