Quebec woman told to remove hijab in court treated regrettably: judge
MONTREAL — A judge’s decision to deny a woman’s day in court because of her hijab goes against the principles of Canadian law, another Quebec tribunal has ruled.
But Superior Court Justice Wilbrod Decarie also said that although Rania El-Alloul’s treatment was regrettable, he could not guarantee she would be allowed to wear her hijab during future court appearances.
El-Alloul’s lawyers had been seeking a legal opinion that would clarify the rights of Quebecers who want access to justice while wearing religious attire.
They had asked for a declaration that El-Alloul’s right to freedom of religion had been violated and that she has has the right to be heard in court wearing her hijab or other religious attire.