A Quebec justice says a decision by a lower court judge to deny a woman’s day in court because of her hijab goes against the principles of Canadian law.
But Superior Court Justice Wilbrod Decarie also said he could not guarantee Rania El-Alloul would be allowed to wear her hijab during future court appearances.
READ MORE: Quebec woman ordered to remove hijab back in court
El-Alloul’s lawyers had been seeking a legal opinion that would clarify the rights of Quebecers who want access to justice while wearing religious attire.
In February 2015, Quebec court Judge Eliana Marengo told El-Alloul her case involving the province’s automobile insurance board and her impounded vehicle would not proceed as long as she was wearing the hijab.
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In his decision handed down earlier this week, Decarie wrote Marengo’s statement went against the principles of Canadian law protecting freedom of religion.
But his ruling does not mean El-Alloul or other women will be able to wear hijabs at future court appearances, saying such matters need to be decided on a case-by-case basis.
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