The ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada regarding a woman’s right to wear a niqab (face-veil)

TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) has noted with great interest the ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada regarding a woman's right to wear a niqab (face-veil) when testifying in court.  The Court's decision to allow judges to consider the individual circumstances of the case in deciding whether or not a niqab may be permitted, reflects the most recent interpretation of the Supreme Court of this issue and offers cogent considerations for balancing the right to full answer and defence with what was framed as the right to freedom of religion.  

The integration of different cultural and religious traditions into Canadian society is more than just the building of different worship spaces.  "True integration means dealing with new and emerging issues in the public sphere in ways that involve conscious decisions about how we conduct business, create laws, and educate our children" said Rubin Friedman, member of the Board of Directors and current Principal Operating Officer of the CRRF. 

The CRRF's Canada wide program titled 'Interfaith and Belonging', has brought together leaders of multiple faiths at a national level to discuss some of these kinds of issues of integration, and to find acceptable solutions for all involved.  The Project is working to create several avenues whereby issues of faith integration can be identified and addressed both at the local and national levels, before they become critical.

SOURCE: Canadian Race Relations Foundation

Rubin Friedman at the Foundation.  [phone]