Quebec government faces disapproval for blocking religious gatherings at the convention centre

 

Quebec’s human rights commission has condemned the provincial government for obstructing a religious gathering at a publicly owned convention centre after a cabinet minister said the event would have stimulated anti–abortion views.

The commission issued a statement stating it was concerned about the government’s agreement and recalling the province about the importance of freedom of expression.

The commission claimed on Thursday that as pledged under the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, ‘ freedom of expression aims to protect both unpopular and controversial ideas. It is an essential pillar of a democratic society’.

Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx cancelled an event scheduled for June 23 to July 2 at the Quebec City Convention Centre by British Columbia – based Harvest Ministries International last week.

Proulx shared her assurance of deciding the event called ‘Prepare the Way’ – would promote anti-abortion views, which she said are opposed to the core values of Quebec.

In a statement released on Wednesday Art Lucier responded that everyone has the right to express their convictions and core values, ‘even if they are minority or unpopular’.

Tags: Quebec’s human rights commission,  Caroline Proulx, Quebec City Convention Centre, Tourism