In the News: Niqab — Ottawa Loses Appeal

Niqab ban at citizenship ceremonies unlawful, as Ottawa loses appeal, CBC News, 2015-09-15

The federal government has lost its appeal of a lower court ruling that struck down a ban on wearing niqabs at citizenship ceremonies.

Three justices on the Federal Court of Appeal, in a ruling from the bench, said they wanted to rule now so the woman at the centre of the case could take her citizenship oath and vote in the federal election on Oct. 19.

[…]

In the Federal Court ruling, Judge Keith Boswell said the government policy, introduced in 2011, violates the Citizenship Act, which states citizenship judges must allow the greatest possible religious freedom when administering the oath.

This is bad news for secularism. Another example of religious privilege being given precedence over reason. Unreasonable accommodation.

See also:

• Face-coverings must be banned during citizenship swearing-in ceremonies