A Closer Look
Culture At A Crossroads Season 3, Episode 7
Quebec's Bill 21 takes centre stage as Don Valley East MPP Michael Coteau joins the show to discuss the implications this has for freedom of religious expression.
Quebec's new legislation banning public officials from wearing religious symbols has been deemed controversial by many, including Coteau who took action so that such a motion would never come to Ontario.
We consider the ramifications for Canada's diversity and better understand the historic distaste that Quebecers have towards religion.
Welcome to the forty-seventh episode of the podcast. Listen and access the show notes here or search for Culture At A Crossroads on Apple, Spotify, Google or wherever you get your podcasts and listen for free.
This is a profile of Michael Coteau.
Mar 29, 2019 - the architecture and reasoning of Quebec's Bill 21
Nov 7, 2019 - Ontario MPPs unanimously pass Coteau's motion affirming religious freedoms
Nov 8, 2019 - Opposition to Quebec's Bill 21
Feb 22, 2021 - TVO Political Blind Date with Coteau and Coalition Avenir Québec MNA Christopher Skeete
April 20, 2021 - Quebec upholds most of religious symbols ban, except for in English-speaking public schools
May 5, 2021 - The implications of the notwithstanding clause in opposition to Bill 21
As discussed, one of the driving factors towards Bill 21 is Quebec's poor history with religion. Here is an overview of what has transpired.
In supporting freedom of religion in Ontario, these are some of the benefits of organized religion that were acknowledged.
The Devil's Delusion by David Berlinski was also cited for its analysis of deaths attributed to religion versus atheism.