Hypocrites and the Hijab

Most government officials anywhere have yet to meet a bright, shiny photo op they didn't like. This was true of Jean-Francois Roberge, Quebec’s education minister. He made sure he met Nobel Prize-winning human rights activist Malala Yousafzai while in Paris this week.

Malala wears a hijab, which is banned for teachers and other government officials in the not-so-Belle Province, at least not in terms of inclusion. Roberge was accused of hypocrisy after tweeting a picture of himself with Yousafzai, saying on Twitter that they discussed education and international development.

As you probably know, religious groups were united in resisting the legislation which banned wearing religious symbols on the job in Quebec. School boards did as well, claiming that this was antithetical to the messages of tolerance and inclusion taught in schools. And of course thee is a larger than life crucifix in the National Assembly in Quebec, a blatant reminder that this is more about rejecting Islam than working toward a secular society -- as if that is possible.

Some days I just shake my head in discouragement at politicians. I try not to tar them all with the same brush and admire those who are consistent and act with integrity. They are a rare breed these days.