QUEBEC CITY – Liberal leader Philippe Couillard is asking Fatima Houda-Pepin to apologize and come back to the fold.
Thursday, the MNA for La Pinière and only Muslim woman at the National Assembly, broke ranks with her party over the Charter of Quebec Values.
READ MORE: Quebec values charter gets support of Liberal Muslim MNA
She refused to legitimize a symbol like the chador which she considers to be the ultimate expression of the oppression of women.
The chador is a cloak that extends over the head but doesn’t cover the face.
Houda-Pepin was reacting to comments from a Liberal colleague who said women wearing chadors could run for office.
Liberal secularism critic Marc Tanguay said the Liberals would welcome candidates wearing the chador. He said he would gladly sit with them in the legislature.
Tanguay’s declaration made Houda-Pepin jump out of her skin.
In a letter she sent to the Canadian Press, Houda-Pepin wonders if her party’s views on equality between men and women are modelled on those of Saudi Arabia and Iran.
She said she refuses to endorse a symbol of radical fundamentalism.
“I’m opposed to the wearing of the facial veil for public services,” Couillard told a news conference on Friday. “(The chador) is a garment that goes almost to that level and is often accompanied by some sort of social withdrawal.”
In his efforts to make peace, Couillard admitted his position is closer to Houda-Pepin’s than Tanguay’s, adding to the confusion. The Liberals have always defended individuals’ right to wear religious signs.
“The least we can say is that the Liberal party is confused not only on this issue but on many issues,” said PQ Health Minister Réjean Hébert. “There is no clear position.”
What is clear is that the vote on the charter won’t be a free one for the Liberals; Couillard is forcing his MNAs to toe the party line. Liberal health critic Yves Bolduc says reconciliation is possible.
“We’re going to wait,” he said. “Mr. Couillard has done an offer to (Houda-Pepin) and we’re going to wait for the answer.”
While Houda-Pepin considers her next move, the CAQ suggests she cross the floor.
“I invite her,” said CAQ MNA Sylvie Roy. “I like Fatima. She’s courageous. I hope she comes to sit beside me.”
Houda-Pepin could not be reached for comment on Friday. She now faces the difficult task of aligning her political allegiances with her deep personal convictions.
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