The Quebec government has made yet another Hijabophobic move. It is forcing a Muslim woman training to be a prison guard to choose between her hijab and her job, according to an article in the Montreal Gazette.
Faced with this incredulous choice, Sondos Abdelatif quit the training program at Montreal's Bordeaux jail, insisting on wearing her hijab.
The logic (or lack thereof) behind the government's concern is flawed: Quebec's Public Safety Department fears for Abdelatif's security, claiming that hostile prisoners could use the hijab as a "strangulation device," reported CTV online.
Whether the matter is really about "safety" concerns or the repeated discrimination against Muslims in Quebec (Herouxville immigrant laws, banned female Muslim soccer player) is debatable.The government has refused to change its position in the light of sensible alternatives such as a Velcro-fastened scarf, Muslims groups said.
The prison has allowed Sikh men to wear turbans during duty. Furthermore, the prison administration did not comment on safety issues when Abdelatif sent a photo of herself wearing the hijab along with her application to the program.
Abdelatif is considering taking her case to the Human Rights Commission.
