Demonstrators carry signs to protest against Quebec’s proposed secular charter in downtown Montreal on Sept. 29, 2013.CHRISTINNE MUSCHI/The Globe and Mail
Protesters against Quebec's charter of values are feeling a little more hopeful following a week where several former Parti Québécois leaders come out against the plan.
Another round of demonstrations was held again Sunday, with events staged in Montreal and Quebec City.
C.B. Singh, one of the organizers of a rainy march in Montreal, says he's glad to see that many disagree with the PQ's plan to forbid public employees from wearing religious headgear.
Singh says he doesn't expect PQ Premier Pauline Marois to abandon the proposal any time soon, but hopes the criticism could make it harder for her to get public support.
Former PQ premiers Jacques Parizeau, Lucien Bouchard and Bernard Landry have called for the plan to be watered down.
As it stands, the charter would bar anyone wearing a hijab, kippa, turban or a prominent crucifix from working in the public sector.
The PQ minority government would require support from an opposition party to get the law passed, and there are rumours an election could be held this December.
Singh, the head of a local Indian-Canadian association, said he will keep protesting until the plan is scrapped.
"As human beings, we're going to fight for our human rights, and continue to protest again and again," he said.