Some Ontario soccer teams staying away from Quebec

MONTREAL – At least twenty Ontario soccer teams won’t be competing in this weekend’s Lac Saint-Louis tournament in the West Island.

The teams are following a decision by the Canadian Soccer Federation which prohibits clubs from playing in Quebec until the provincial soccer federation lifts its turban ban.

The issue has sparked enormous debate throughout the province – pitting religious rights against safety.

The Quebec Soccer Federation has banned the turban for safety reasons.

But that has sidelined many players whose Sikh faith requires them to wear the head scarves while in public.

Quebec is the only province to impose the turban ban.