Quebec Education Minister Jean-François Roberge is being roundly criticized and facing charges of hypocrisy after posting a photo on social media with human rights activist Malala Yousafzai.
The photograph, which was posted on Friday, shows a smiling Roberge and Yousafzai, who is wearing a headscarf, in front of a painting in France. In his post, Roberge says he had a great encounter with the Nobel Peace Prize winner to discuss access to education and international development.
READ MORE: Quebec won’t send inspectors to schools to enforce secularism law, education minister says
The post immediately sparked backlash on social media, with some referencing the Quebec government’s recently passed Bill 21, its controversial secularism reform.
The legislation prohibits civil servants in positions of authority — including teachers — from wearing religious symbols while at work.
“Are you serious?” one Twitter user wrote in response to Roberge’s post.
While the Coalition Avenir Québec government maintains its religious symbols ban has widespread support from Quebecers, it has also sparked legal challenges and protests in Montreal. Some schools have even vowed not to apply the law.
“Did you tell her that in Quebec, women dressed like Malala do not have access to certain jobs in the public service? Thanks to your government,” one Twitter user replied.
Get daily National news
As the photo picked up steam, another user wrote: “You hypocrite. You wouldn’t let her become a teacher here in Quebec — you can’t score points by posing with Malala.”
- Québec solidaire weighing priorities, including wealth tax and public grocery stores
- Edmonton Queen riverboat hits mechanical issues cutting short Mother’s Day cruise
- When it comes to private jets, World Cup influx will pale next to Taylor Swift
- ‘Final touches’ underway at FIFA World Cup venues in Vancouver, Toronto
When asked by a journalist how he would respond if Yousafzai wanted to become a teacher in Quebec, Roberge was quick to defend his government’s policies.
READ MORE: Quebec’s largest school board refuses to apply Bill 21 before ‘proper consultation’
“I would certainly tell her that it would be an immense honour and that in Quebec, as is the case in France (where we are now) and in other open and tolerant countries, teachers cannot wear religious symbols in the exercise of their functions,” Roberge wrote.
Quebec’s opposition parties also criticized Roberge after the photo was posted. Liberal MNA Christine St-Pierre said it was unbelievable and asked if Roberge spoke to Yousafzai about Bill 21.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.