Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Govt. of Canada Bars Veils at Citizenship Rites; Says Doing So Lets Everyone Share in Ceremony

The Reuters website reports today (December 13, 2011) that the government of Canada said yesterday it would bar all women wearing face coverings from taking part in citizenship ceremonies.

"Requiring that all candidates show their faces while reciting the oath allows judges and everyone present to share in the ceremony," Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said.

Kenney's announcement will affect women wearing the niqab -- a face veil with an eye opening -- as well as the burqa, which has a full face covering with a mesh area to allow vision.

The move could trigger a court challenge for those who say the restriction violates freedom of religion provisions under Canada's constitution.

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