I am seriously pissed! But I've finished writing, so I'll go to bed after I post this.
Well, would you look at that! For once, I actually agree with Quebec and their use of the Notwithstanding Clause. And I applaud them for ensuring a line between church and state.
They might have gone a wee bit too far, but overall, I am in agreement, if not in scope, then in intent. I think the SCoC will allow the Notwithstanding Clause, but perhaps with some "guidance" on confusing cultural with religious. Then life can carry on and ALL religions in Quebec can live happily ever after.
Not because it limits Freedom of Religion as many are wont to complain, but rather as a distinction for Public Sanity. This is the latest that the Federal Courts are being asked to weigh in on because it preserves the line between Church and State.
Sure, be it a Christian, Muslim, Sikh or Buddist adherent then go ahead, fill your boots.
But don't take it to work. (Hidden items or clothing should not be restricted as that could be more a "cultural" thing than religious), however I think Quebec is willing to let the courts decide on that, however they do remain steadfast in their separation of state/church!
And I agree with their opinion.
Quebec is not taking away the Rights to practice a religion (Which is what Freedom of Religion is, but not forcing it upon others!!!), and in this case, not the Right to practice your religion in a Public Building/Space.
Basically, keep it at home or at one's meetings/services/kool-aid festivals, but don't drag it out in public.
I mean, just today in Toronto is a Blonde Karen going apeshit against a person of Jewish ethnicity out on the street! The guy didn't do anything, just walking down a street and Karen verbally assaults him.
Yeah, that's why you keep it at home, ditz!
So why do I agree with Quebec's stance?
Simply because it was not, I repeat NOT Christian money that built the Province of Quebec, no matter what the Catholic Church will tell you. Churches have had a freebee for the past century or two, not paying taxes and the like, and they have absolutely nothing to complain about. It has been Taxes which has built Quebec, no matter what historical hand in matters the Catholic Church back then may have had in "helping" immigrants and Natives be better people.
Oh. Right. That didn't work out well, did it. I, unfortunately, am a product of the Catholic Church which I left before I even grew out of my teenage years because I could see the hypocrisy in everything they do and say.
As a Texan Minister said last week, there needs to be a separation between Church and State, and that is the problem with the GOP these days as they no longer see a distinction in such leadership. BUT, he continues on, a Church is an entity you do NOT want to lead a country.
He smiles and says "Just look at History to prove I'm right, Not one religious autocrat/autocracy has survived without internal dissolution". I have to paraphrase as I am still looking for that video to link below. I will edit this when I find it.
However, I think his point was that far right Christians in Texas and the Texas legislature are saying that there should be NO line between Government and Christianity (Note: Not Religions. Just Christianity!)
So, to me, Quebec's use of the Notwithstanding Clause is simply enforcing the division of Church and State. Any Church. Any Public Building/edifice/space.
With the growth of extreme religious zealots, I think we do need to calm down the narrative about religious freedoms in public - and in this case, I'm talking about radical Christian groups - whom seem to be the most vocal to grab as much power as possible.
Proof you ask? I present you the leader of the Federal Conservatives, Pierre Poilievre - the loser who could not hold onto his riding in Ontario, so begged Alberta to let him take the most conservative riding in Alberta.
This riding is so Conservative that they'll vote UCP no matter even if a Richardson's Ground Squirrel ran for office - and it'll win.
PP was offered such an accommodation because Alberta UCP are very behind his style of GOP/MAGA-North soundbites. Right out of President Frumps playbook.
So, that being out of the way, lets swerve our focus upon the Great and Glorious Province currently run by a MAGA North Operative and Wannabe Governor, Governor Smith of Alberta, land of three industries. Gas/oil, Wheat and other grains, and Separatist Movements - currently being the UCP.
Sure I kid about her title, but lets be honest - there is an inherent sense of truth to that title, as that is the end-game for the Alberta UCP - to separate. We all know the Province will not survive by itself, so will eventually be swallowed by the USA - perhaps purchased by some big American company for use as "testing grounds" of various types.
And I actually think Governor Smith really wants to command a military organisation like the National Guard of her little Duchy.
But in the meantime, we will focus now on the UCP's use of the Notwithstanding Clause. I am saddened to say that the Alberta Governments use of the Clause WILL be a wholesale Restriction of my, and thousands of others' Rights!
And I agree with the Feds trying to put a kibosh on this with the SCoC.
Just WHY am I against this use of the Clause?
Because it literally takes away the Right to Live one's life as ones self, in one's body as one needs to. This is not about restricting access to public spaces wearing religious icons. It is about stripping away one's personal identity, one's id, one's internal operating system, causing all sorts of pain and confusion.
It is blatantly Political Theatre buttressed up by a very Alt-Right-Christian-stewardship hidden agenda to make Alberta a Christian Fifedom.
And this will cause no end of needless deaths of teens committing suicide because Alberta's society apparently does not want people like him/her/it/she/they/etc.
Sickening.
THAT is a BIG Right in our Bill of Rights (and Responsibilities) that Alberta wants to strip from Alberta Citizens.
In other words, Trans Rights are being ground into the mud. And this, I guarantee you, is just the beginning.
First Trans Rights, then Gay Rights, then Furry Rights, then Abortion Rights, then...
You see where I am going with this. Give Governor Smith a Centimeter and she will grab with every MAGA-North Pipsqueak helping to take as many Kilometers as possible.
I am FOR the Federal Government and the SCoC for jumping on this because it violates personal Rights that are protected under our Charter of Rights, and no Province should have the Right to take my identity away from me. Or a Trans person. Or Gay. Or anything.
It would be even worse than taking away the Right to follow a Religion. Right? RIGHT???
You think Any religion would be fine with that? I seriously doubt that. So then, why support taking away a person's identity? Just for shits 'n giggles?
No, I suggest Ignoranus' are behind this, and that was not a typo. Anus is in there for a reason!
Then what the heck do you think one's personal identity, one's sense of self, one's struggle to find oneself is actually all about if not to live a pain-free and happy life?
The Province taking away any Rights in that sense is a BAD idea. It will open the door for further restrictions of our Basic Rights, and I am against it. At least Quebec is just trying to calm down the rhetoric about pushing Christian religion in public. Why is Alberta trying to absolutely quash a citizens Right?
Are they in schools trying to convert children
[no].
Are they trying to start a political party?
[no]
Are they trying to force schools and other educational facilities to hang up rules and orders that pertain only to a single group?
[no]
Are they trying to deport, others who are not LBGTQ?
[No, of course not]
So then, why the hoopla about Gay Rights in Alberta all of a sudden - a wish to homogenize the population to a single race, skin colour and religion???
[quite probably]
Am I the ONLY Albertan that is angry about this presumption of Godhood by Governor Smith???
I mean...really???
Peace,
.- .-.
