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Rural Quebec town bans stoning women

Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 4:00 PM EST 29/01/07

Herouxville outlines behaviour norms for potential immigrants ...Read the full article

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  1. Pretty Much from Toronto, Canada writes: This is too funny!! But it seems like a good disclaimer.
  2. Marvin, Manic Depressive Robot Esquire from Thumb out, towel in hand on a road near Toronto, Canada writes: It is funny, but you know, maybe it is a good idea that should be required understanding (note not reading, understanding) for all potential immigrants. We have our society, in general we enjoy it and are proud of it. If you want to immigrate to Canada, then you should expect to agree to the basic tenets of our society, as afterall it is why we are looked upon as one of the best places to live in the world and likely why one would want to immigrate to it.
  3. MG R from Canada writes: I think Canada should have their own Federal version of this document. So that gyms don't have to cover their windows because the Muslims men next door can't stand the sight of a woman in fitting pants. So that no woman argues that she wants her driver's licence picture taken while her whole face is covered. I could go on all afternoon. We should protect our Canadian identity. My Grandmother wasn't allowed to vote for part of her life and she had to fight the church and everyone else so that she could go out of the house without a black dress that went from her neck to her ankle in 30 degree temperatures. Not so long ago, even Canadian women showed signs of servitude towards the men and the clergy. Other countries show videos of what life is like in their country and immigrants are told: you don't like it, don't come here. If you think I am intolerant, try and go in Asia, or the Middle East, and plant a Canadian flag, call it CanadaTown and try walking around in a bikini and see what happens. You wouldn't right? It is called respect for your host country.
  4. jim lllll from Canada writes: I would expect the the town would have a bylaw stating that any Excerise Gym with glass windows or doors would have to be frosted, or one way glass...if they don't the town would put themself in position of being SUED on the grounds of corrupting the minds of 'certain' passer byers...
  5. B H from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Herouxville does not currently have any immigrants among its population of 1,300.' Paranoia? Nothing against the 'new laws' themselves, I suppose, maybe it's good to be explicit so no one just assumes things are obvious. But the fact that this is a closed little village where it sounds as if no one has actually known _any_ one with any different background them themselves, let alone someone who believed it was OK to stone people to death, well, I have to wonder a bit at what is actually going on in their minds. I wouldn't like to be the first immigrant family in that little town.
  6. Carly MacKay from United States writes: Tremendous idea. Perhaps every immigrant wanting to reside in Canada should sign it. Can you imagine having to make sure that an individual knows that it is NOT ok to stone a woman to death and that it is acceptable for boys and girls to swim in a pool together? It seems so bizarre to me that some cultures would kick up a fuss about these things. . .but they would.
  7. Paul Jones from kitchener, Canada writes: i agree MG R, although it was a Jewish Synagouge that asked to have the windows frosted.
  8. Gardiner Westbound from Canada writes: The 'thought police' will go nuts over this.
  9. Overpopulation Istherootcause from Bloomfield, Canada writes: The sooner the federal government and the provincial and territorial governments follow this example which is already in place in the Netherlands, the better. Then we should also encourage the United Nations to adopt this as a sine qua non for membership by nations on any of their commitees and commissions.
    But don't hold your breath waiting for action.
  10. and I from erie shore, Canada writes: Bravo. Time is overdue to draw a line in the sand and say that our tolerance of intolerance goes only so far. Welcome to Canada, bring your wonderful cuisines and quaint costumes but leave the inequality and sense of entitlements behind.
  11. Pretty Much from Toronto, Canada writes: BH from Toronto- good point. It seems like paranoia as well. I mean when was the last time I heard someone have an itching desire to move to Hennoxville, PQ
  12. Clive Gingell from Canada writes: No stoning? How about 'Behead The Infidel Fridays', and 'Suicide Vest Saturdays'? Not those too?!

    Wow, there go the M.E. package-deal tourists.
  13. M Phillips from Canada writes: I can see Canada moving, like they did in Holland, to creating and enforcing such a document. To be fair if you were stupid enough to want to move to some of the nations these people come from you might need to be told in advance that such acts were okay. Such is the cultural differences being faced. These people need to know this upfront so that they can decide if our society is one in which they can live. Apparently women from these countries must think such behavior is okay. Well in Canada it is not okay and anyone who would try to make my wife or daughter a 2nd class citizen will have me to deal with and likely 5 million other Canadian men. In Canada we like our women, educated, curious, free and equal. Anything less would be very unattractive and unappealing.
  14. Richard Daystrom from Canada writes: What a wonderful idea! They also forgot to mention female genital mutilation and honour killings. Those things are also frowned upon here.
  15. Dan Shortt from Toronto, Canada writes: This document needs to become standard policy across the country. It should be enshrined into law by our enlightened Supreme Court. How about making it part of the Charter?
  16. Eli Charmane from Canada writes: Well it's about time someone had the courage to stand up and speak out. Every city and town in Canada should be adopting these rules. You got my vote.
  17. Andrew E from Calgary, the Heart of the New West, and soon to eclipse Toronto., Canada writes: Eventually, the pendulum swings back. Ain't it grand? And isn't it a shame that without a document like this, members of a certain faith could seek to impose their 'culture's' standards?
  18. james p from toronto, Canada writes: damn right we ain't toleratin no intolerance. never did, never gonna. immigrants got to know they place. when we first come here, we abided by the laws of the inhabitants real good. we had no reservations about toleratin they culture, they cuisines, they costumes. damn right. we made sure it was them that got the reservations. and how. like i said, them immigrants got to know they place. i likes bein able to shoot ma mouth off whenever i feels like it, y'know? i likes it real good.
  19. Brad Bowen from Toronto, Canada writes: If Quebec ever separates these town councillors should be in charge of crafting their Constitution. I noticed that there was no comment made on dwarf tossing. Is this still allowed?
  20. Robert Dryburgh from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada writes: Great idea. I'm glad some people had the guts to do this. A long time overdue.
  21. L H from Lima (TO soon), Peru writes: As a soon-to-be immigrant from Peru, I also agree with a federal official regulation as to how to behave in social situations. You might wonder why I support such an idea: I lived in Montreal for two years (when I was stuying at McGill) and I really was surprised by a demonstration, demanding a mosque inside McGill (!). Does it mean every Canadian school have to have a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic church, a Christian Church, and so on and so forth? Please don´t get me wrong, I have nothing against Muslims or any immigrant group for that matter (I´ll be one of them soon!), but I do think immigrants have to integrate (at least to a certain extent) and respect the core elements of Canadian culture, in order to success as individuals and to keep Canada a great place to live in. I will try, that´s for sure.
  22. R. Carriere from Canada writes: There has to be a Charter court case looming in the future because I am sure someone's'rights' will be offended!
  23. Scot Affleck from Prince George, Canada writes: Many a true word spoken in jest. Right? Jest another handy ol' cliche. If it fits, use it.
  24. Carl Eric Codere from Saint-Lambert, Canada writes: Actually, you should see the French Canadian press, they all react disgusted, but honestly, even if its a little bit weird to create those norms... It is very realistic to bring up the subject... Boys and girls should be allowed to swim together, and this should be enshrined in some law or another...
  25. Garry Sugden from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: My guess is that this comes down to discomfort with burka's and face veils. There is no harm in telling any potential immigrant that the average Canadian is uncomfortable with burka's and face veils and that it is a bad idea to immigrate here if your life involves a commitment to these garments. Just being honest.
  26. jon bon jovi from Vancouver, Canada writes: So, I'm not clear, does this document imply that women may not get stoned? Does that mean that men can get stoned? Are we just saying that normal people don't generally get stoned, or that abnormal people can't get stoned?

    This is a serious discrepancy that the local officials of Herouxville should clarify before immigrants from areas with substantially different stoning laws, such as BC or Amsterdam, move to the area unawares.
  27. Peter Bojkov from Vaughan ON, writes: Naivete in many posts: actually, most, if not all, of the Muslim immigrants KNOW what to expect when they apply for permanent residence in Canada/Europe. The problem is, theirs is a pre-industrial revolution background, where an individual is defined not by what he/she is, but by his/her belonging to a clan, tribe, and, of course, ISLAM. The biological bomb ticks (fertility is a numbers' game), and Sharia may be imposed in a number of countries as a result of democtatic elections that will spell the end of democracy. OBL may be irrelevant, after all.
  28. rahim ladha from Montreal, Canada writes: Ignorance has no end. Quebec legislature has already banned Shariah law form being practiced in Quebec. I am not sure of which immigrant culture burns or puts acid on their women. Instead of working to harmonize and educate immigrants or other racial groups on the equal rights both genders cherish and the protection they get form state, these kind of actions just outline the stupidity of the people involved. We are not living in the medieval times. Federal and Provincial laws already protect rights of the women well, so at the city or town level they have to take on the task educating newcomers to their city rather then labelling them. By the way where was this town when only about 35 years ago, under the umbrella of catholic church all the women who were raped or had pre marital sex were labelled crazy and put into institutions with their offsprings?
  29. admore inches from Toronto, Canada writes: Just a hunch, but I bet the majority of people commenting here are white.
  30. M Mouhammed from Canada writes: Yes Rahim, but what about those that are too scared to go to the authorities, or what happens to the laved ones of those family members who go to the authorities? Don't be so nieve !!!
  31. J H from Canada writes: Imagine something like this came from Quebec? Very impressed. I agree the Feds should do this across the country.
  32. David K from Toronto, Canada writes: I have to say that I am appalled by some of the comments here and by some of the content of the declaration. The move is clearly xenophobic and rooted in the current 'Western' culture of Islamo-phobia.

    The Canadian Charter of Rights already guarantees women the right to 'drive a car, sign cheques, dance, decide on her own' when it says that
    'Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.' Obviously, stoning is also out of the question and would constitute First Degree Murder.

    Sure, some from other cultures may not be used to 'receiving medical services from members of the opposite sex'. However, one still has the right to request a member of the same sex for a medical examination (regardless of religious or cultural orientation) and I think that the medical community would recognize this as a valid request.

    The Charter guarantees 'freedom of conscience and religion' and 'freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression' not freedom FROM these things. The Canadian ideal allows for everyone regardless of belief and affiliation to live beside each other in respect. It is not 'to ensure that people who come here want to live like us' as Andre Drouin would have us believe.

    It is only when those rights infringe on another's that there is an issue. In the case of the frosted gym windows, the synagogue had every right to make the request just as the gym had every right to deny it. But when there is a conflict, it is no longer an issue of rights, as someone's will be infringed upon. It is then an issue of respect and understanding within a community. We need to recognise that there is value in culture and diversity and embrace it instead of stifling it because we are fearful.
  33. dave srigley from Toronto, Canada writes: The whole town must have been watching Little Mosque on the Prairie....haha ....that or they looked at the Muslimization happening to Montreal and Paris and saw the real truth looming. BTW Micheal Motorcycle...throwing acid in a woman's face is more than just a rare occurrence in Bangladesh today.
  34. Just a Lucky So-and-So from South Toronto, Canada writes: Hey, no stoning of woman permitted, I understand. What about women getting stoned? Is that allowed in Herouxville?
  35. B Fulsom from Menlo Park, United States writes: Now here's a seat the Conservatives won't be winning back in Quebec in the next election. :)
  36. Will M from Maritimes, Canada writes: It is already against the law, im sure anything past that statement is insulting to all concerned.
  37. M Mouhammed from Canada writes: Yes Dave, but burning your wife and stabing your daughter isn't that uncommon in Vancouver
  38. katim coulray from Canada writes: I think Admore is absolutely right - Its all about skin colour. Very clear. Since everyone knows that Blacks and Whites feel differently about gender issues. There must be a resaerch paper on that somewhere. Now help us Admore- where would we find the eveidence?
  39. jon bon jovi from Vancouver, Canada writes: All stoner jokes aside...David K, perhaps 'Western Islamo-phobia' has a point. Have you ever read Sam Harris' 'End of Faith'? Barring that, have you ever asked yourself why hitherto bastions of tolerance like Britain and the Netherlands have become Western Islamophobes? Barring that, can you please point out one successful, wealthy, peaceful Islamic state that the Islamophobes can look at as reassurance that they aren't being populated by future woman-stoners?

    There, I've spouted my hatred...let the flaming begin.
  40. ex- Easterner from Calgary, Canada writes: The formulation of a list such as this, it seems to me, masks a general intolerance for all citizens who are not of Herouxville stock.

    It is hard to fathom such ignorance, but then again Herouxville's geography is close to the hot bed centre of separatism.

    I wonder if the document will be published in both official languages.
  41. katim coulray from Canada writes: and with a name like 'admore inches', he can't be white.
  42. Alan Padington from Canada writes: This is nothing more than a veiled attack on Muslims by a bunch of stupid country hicks.
  43. Henry B from Galt, Canada writes: David K – although the Charter &8220;guarantees&8221; all sorts of things, there is merit in drawing an explicit line in the sand that will be clearly understood by all. What good is any right when the state is not able to deliver? France enjoys the same rights of free speech that we do in Canada but where is Robert Redeker right now? He has been in hiding since he freely expressed his opinions about Islam and found himself at the receiving end of scores of death threats from Islamist extremists. Although Mr Redeker did not break any laws, France is not able to guarantee this man his personal safety. It is far better to prevent a problem from ever arising than to try to put the genie back in the box.
  44. george moe from Algeria writes: What happened to sexual equality, can the men get stoned? I wonder on what cheap drugs the town counsellors were stoned before passing this law.
  45. Winston Smith from Brampton, Canada writes: I am very disturbed by many of the comments here. Don't you people know that diversity is strength!

    Not to worry though. Fortunatly, I happen to be troll from the multicultural thought police and have recorded your identities. The gods of diversity will soon have their revenge. Just wait for the knock on the door ...
  46. Don Wilson from Debert, Canada writes: Get real people - most of these immigrants can barely speak english - how can you expect them to read and understand the Canadian Charter document ? This Quebec town has wakened up a lot of people that these prospective immigrants should be set down in the country of origin and be given a course that educates them to the norms and customs that prevail in Canada. If then they don't like these norms , they should stay where they are or go someplace else. Australia has begun dealing with this . France , Germany and the UK are dealing with the aftermath of not making the norms of western countries clear to these immigrants who thought they can move and yet stay the same as at 'home ' , but without all the killing and bombing. No wonder many of them are disappointed with Canada - no one told them about the hugh difference in culture. Our culture is far from perfect , but it's a very great much better than the Iraq of Saddam .
  47. Scot Affleck from Prince George, Canada writes: Herouxville ? Hmmmm? Is that the French translation for Hicksville? Ha ha ha . Anyway, it put that little town on the map for a day. Way to go!
  48. Justice Seeker from Canada writes: 'We are not living in medieval times'. No Rahim, not in Canada. And that’s precisely what we want to avoid. But in the Arab and Muslim world, they are living in medieval times and, in some cases, the Stone Age. Consider, as others have mentioned, honour killings, stoning adulterers, cutting the arms off thieves, beheading those who are from the West or (as in Daniel Pearl's case) practice the Jewish faith, the despicable practice of female genital mutilation (according to some public officials still performed by Arab/Muslim doctors clandestinely in Canada), fatwas against those who write or draw in a manner that 'deviates' from 'Islamic teaching', and the killing of those who convert from Islam to other religions (apostasy). In fact, nowhere in the Koran are many of these practices called for (for example, the requirement that women wear niqabs or burkas). Yet, women are made to dress up like goblins, clad in black in an unbearably hot and humid climate just so as not 'to tempt' the Muslim male who, by all accounts, is so weak and unable to control his sexuality that, absent the head to toe coverings on women, would rape, molest and attack those of the opposite gender. Pardon me for saying, but that is deeply and pathologically wrong. It's no surprise that, in medieval Saudi Arabia, statistics show women clad that way are far more likely than men to be struck and killed by vehicles as their peripheral vision is badly restricted by their ridiculous garb. I guess it's no accident that the word 'Islam' means 'submission'. As for the Sharia'a, recent failed efforts to introduce it in Ontario prove once and for all that such a retrograde, prejudiced and unequal 'legal system' has no place in western democracies governed by individual rights and freedom, equal treatment of the sexes and the rule of law. If you want to live that way, you're welcome to do so but not here. There are at least 30 (conservatively) Muslim countries where you can 'choose' to live medievally.
  49. Terry White from Regina, Canada writes: I wonder if the words 'in public' were added because the state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation.

    Terry
  50. Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: Actually, Henry B, Heureuxville does NOT have the authority to draw the explicit line in the sand, as you put it - that is for the courts to do (well, Parliament first, subject to court review, where the law is challenged). Darn shame the Conservatives did away with the court challenges program that pays for these lines to be established, isn't it - means a bunch of local yokels like these think they can do by themselves.
  51. Rohit Dixit from Canada writes: To Justice Seeker from Canada ,

    Muslim laws will be agreed in Canada once they become politically much more significant.The liberals and conservatives will compete between themselves to take the credit for it.Wait for another say 25 years.

    The question is should immigration laws be refined that no particular group becomes politicallymore important than others for vote bank politics.

    As regards to your other comment stating around 30 plus conservative muslim countries,it is the dream of fundamentalists ( don't misread it .only for fundamentslists) to make Canada one of that type in future.Any comments.
  52. David K from Toronto, Canada writes: Sorry, Bon J., you've got your arguments wrong. You are mixing up the principles of state religion with individual freedom of religious expression. The difference is that Canada adheres to a basic code of human rights that takes precedence over religious tradition and law.

    I'm not sure what your qualification of an 'Islamic State' is, but Turkey is a relatively stable country in which more than 95% of the population is Islamic. The thing is that it, like Canada, has a distinct separation of 'Church' - or 'Mosque' in this case - and State.

    The fact is that all religious have both good and bad sides. Islam preaches the practice of Zakat - giving a proportion of one's earnings to the poor. Christianity teaches compassion and forgiveness, instructing people to 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...' Judaism teaches community and respect, commanding its followers to 'Love thy neighbour as thyself'. And there are many more examples of this in other religions.

    The problem is that religions often incorporate negative and xenophobic messages as well. That is why when religion remains separated from state, countries can be thriving and pluralistic. The state outlaws negative actions and religions can thrive together.

    In the 'West', media portrayals of Islam are often one-dimensional. Europeans and North Americans need to take a good look at their values of tolerance and realize that it means tolerating everyone not just those who are like them. Just as someone wearing a Christian Cross or a Kippah or a Turban by choice does not violate anyone's rights, neither does a woman's decision to wear a Hijab.
  53. Henry B from Galt, Canada writes: Michele K, the council in Herouxville is going to this extreme because the higher levels of governments are asleep at the switch. I agree that the feds should be doing more. The town correctly perceives that the word “Islamophobia&8221; equals veto power.
  54. J Luftwaffe from Canada writes: Scott Affleck: by your logic, 'Prince George' must be some sort of code or euphemism for 'Inbred-community.'
  55. Har Har from Canada writes: Yeah, we really need to stop allowing immigrants to burn women with acid. This has become a major problem. Why just yesterday we had two burnings in the town square. Lol what a joke, but I guess 60% of Quebeckers can't be wrong. They can be the laughing stock of Canada though.
  56. J L from Toronto, Canada writes: David K, there are differences between wearing a small cross or crescent vs a a Hijab. Many members of the muslim community are eagerly trying spin the Hijab as not being repressive but it clearly is. It doesn't matter if the CBC produces another 10 shows with pretty girls in the Hijab acting as if they are independent and free - the reality on the street is very different. These women have been brainwashed...
  57. Har Har from Canada writes: The bible says women need to know their role and shut up. In a family when it comes down to it you need to have one voice to be the final decision maker. A family cannot be ruled by committee, it's not the U.N.

    God's will is that women submit to men.

    Sound familiar? Think there is a difference between wearing a cross and a hijab? Think again.
  58. goofy fathead from Canada writes: may as well add 'a bunch of strange ppl from foreign lands who don't speek either english or french and irritate the locals' as a norm imposed upon us by undemocratic government.. and that we should 'tolerate' it.
  59. jon bon jovi from Vancouver, Canada writes: Good points, David K (except Turkey - try being a dissident photojournalist there) ...but I still think you're skirting the issue. So it's 2050, and our Islamic now-majority wants to bring in Sharia Law, and brace it against Charter challenges with the notwithstanding clause. What 'basic human rights' will protect your granddaughter's genitals then? Don't get me wrong, I am all about the 'multicultural mosaic'. Until recently, I operated under the impression that the Paris riots were due to French racism, and that all 2nd-generation-and-up Canadian kids played hockey together and called each other 'dude' in blissful harmony. According to our beloved G&M, 2nd generation Canadians aren't taking to being Canadian like we thought. According to Europe, migrant Islamic leaders preaching 'ignore this blasphemous lifestyle - we're allowed to - until we have the majority and the power' is enough of a threat that the Dutch are telling newcomers how to live. My point is that we can't take our typical 'that won't happen in Canada - let's think of more important things, like pestering the Americans' stance on this issue. This debate is coming. In the meantime, this document is heavy-handed, but is it really unreasonable to point out to newcomers things we do and don't do? Isn't that what a country is, a group of people with something in common?
  60. R. B. from Toronto, Canada writes: dave srigley - I'm betting that the ban on stoning women in Herouxville has less to do with immigrants and more to do with a cover-up involving some church elder. Hmmm, I wonder if among the things a woman is allowed to do in Herouxville is choosing what happens to her body?
  61. Just a Lucky So-and-So from South Toronto, Canada writes: This is really disturbing, women in Herouxville can't get stoned any more.... but can they still get high? What about guys? Can women in the rest of Canada still get stoned?
  62. Pat Gesner from Canada writes: As a publicity stunt to makethemselves noticible -it Worked. Like untastful adds that have female cops falling into love with drivers of Kia cars. If I was a female cop I'd see if I could get a class action lawsuit - why not ads show a sexy MALE cop ? or a buka clad muslim woman? That actually might make sense- muslim woman are supposes to have little sexual self control-thats why they must hide themselves so as not to encourge men to show attention that makes women loose restraint. Imagine a car that makes such self controlled women break out in lust -a cop would just lose her job, a muslim woman her life !
  63. d h from Victoria, Canada writes: It would more honest if these people pointed out that, of all the practises that are not part of rural Quebec culture, fear and ignorance are still on the list of permissives. Actually, given a number of the posts here it would be difficult to single out rural Quebec.
  64. mr motoc from Vancouver Island, Canada writes: Read the Bible, Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 21, verses 18-21. The penalty for a son who is 'stubborn and rebellious' is . . . being stoned to death. . . . and this is supposedly 'the Word of God'. . . . Ditto for some violations of Sabbath rules: Numbers 15:32-36 and Exodus 31:14 and Exodus 35:2. . . .YIKES ! . . . oh, I forgot: so few people who claim to 'believe' in the Bible actually get around to, uh, reading it.
  65. Joe D'Agostino from St. Catharines, Canada writes: I find this humourous and ironic at the same time. While many can view these bylaws as commonsense and really unnecessary in a civilized society, let's look at the draconian measures undertaken by Quebec:

    1. Quebec labourers are allowed to work in Ontario but Ontario
    labourers are prevented from working in Quebec.

    2. A white Anglo who opens a business in Quebec has to have a sign in
    French that is double the size of the English sign.

    3. No right turns on a red light.

    'Nuff said.
  66. Erbil Kücük from Germany writes: Most people see stoning and cutting hands and heads off as a penalty through a ethnic view. But most of these penalties used in some undeveloped countries where used in the western civilization too. A long time ago. Therefore using this type of law penalty stands for a stage of development a society had made, not of a ethnicity ...
  67. Pat Gesner from Canada writes: No right turns on a Red light. Yes I could understand that after see a montreal transit bus go straight ahead on a red light. Quite sensible-go STRAIGHT not right.
  68. Roy Pepitone from Vancouver, Canada writes: What's the french word for xenophobic?
    Has a woman ever been stoned, or burned alive in Canada? Or denied the right to drive a car? Are swimming pools not still co-ed?
    I'm not surprised that there are no immigrants in this silly little town. Further, it would not surprise me to learn that no one from this town has ever been outside its borders.
    It used to be the Irish and the Ukrainians, then the Jews. Now it's Muslims. Ain't progress grand?
  69. R J from Pickering, Canada writes: Ah MR Mouhammed, you say "It is my religous right to educate my wife how I choose fit. Sharia Law my friends."

    And it is your wifes right to leave you. THE (governing, Canadian) LAW my freind.
  70. R J from Pickering, Canada writes: MR Motoc, I didn't bother to check but am highly certain, that all of those passages are rules handed down by God for the ancient Israelites to live by.
  71. thx 1169 from Cowtown, Alta, Canada writes: Its a woman's right to get stoned, equal to the rights of a man to get stoned. I hope they file a charter lawsuit over this...
  72. Save our Planet from Toronto, Canada writes: Typical narrow minded rednecks. They insist on imposing their beliefs and way of life on other people. Did the aboriginals impose their way of life on the people of this village? I think not. This town should be given a stern warning from the government to stop encouraging racist behavior. Our society prides itself on allowing religious freedoms - which may seem strange to some - to be practiced without persecution.
  73. mr motoc from Vancouver Island, Canada writes: RJ: . . . The rules in the Bible (pick a version, any version) are NOT strictly for "ancient Israelites". Christians cite to this or that verse in the Old Testament in order to support their views, after all. Example: they cite to the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 20, verse 13, to "prove" that God disapproves of homosexuality; they FAIL to note that the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 20, ALSO declares that the penalty for adultery is death (in verse 10). . . . Of course, their selectivity in quoting Scripture (and always having a clever way "around" verses that make them, uh, "uncomfortable" -- the one proscribing adultery being one of these) . . . is legendary. . . . They "believe" in the Bible, but only the parts that serve their purposes, NOT in the parts that they don't like; seems a little . . . odd.
  74. gary blades from Halifax, Canada writes: No covering one's face other than on Halloween? What about a howling blizzard, with wind chill of -50 degrees, where exposed flesh freezes in 10 seconds ? If anyone covers their face they will be arrested ? Oh sure. Change the name of that town to Idiots-ville.
  75. Cut The Crap from Canada writes: Did they happen to remind people that the wife can have her husband arrested at any time without cause or evidence? Did they mention that the wife's word is sufficient proof of guilt in a Canadian court of law?

    That's the Canadian version of equality.
  76. Maurice Caissy-Cyr from ste-therese, Canada writes: To Rahim Ladha, I live in the 50 and 60 under the catholic rules in Quebec. Why people in, what we calls over here the quiet revolution, start to have enought with the church, is because the church where everywhere in our live, priest even over ruling the law, influencing the minds, mostley with no sence things. God where everywhere. Now any religion make me freeking with their credo, 7 days to bilt the world, and our planet to be the center of the world. We where fools at that time, and I was one of them, by following the beleive of my parent and the idioty of the church. Many bad things apens at that time. We call it The big black period, mostley under Duplessi because he was a kind of fanatic about catholic religion. It show us that it was time to separate politic and church. Those guys in that small city with irony show us that we said: no more. And by the poster here, it also reach majority of consensus: no more.
  77. R J from Pickering, Canada writes: Mr Motoc, some of the OT rules are for humanity in general, some were just for the Ancient Israelites.

    Find and ask a scholar.

    Stop pretending you know what your talking about.
  78. Vic Hotte from Kettleby, Canada writes: Tolerance only goes so far. Most new immigrants to Canada come from homogeneous cultures, many that revolve around theocracies. They have never faced waves of immigrants from other cultures. They are used to doing things their way. When they choose to migrate to Canada, they are told to bring their "customs" with them, and they believe their old customs to be "right". Canadians also come from a particular culture, and they can't move elsewhere to enjoy it when they see their values being side-lined, particularly by their own politicians who are too willing to call Canada a "new country founded and built by immigrants." That would be a surprise to the indigenous cultures who assisted the first European explorers. Even the name, Canada, comes from an aboriginal word, meaning village. Let's stop pretending that we can accommodate every different culture. For example, I think most Canadians believe in equality for men and women. They do not have to be separated by barricades, frosted windows, or shapeless body-coverings -- such behaviours should not be encouraged by misguided politicians looking for votes. If Canada values openess, tolerance and equality as cultural values, then these have to be reflected and accepted right across the country.
  79. Henry Allen from Laine-pas-pur-ville, Canada writes: Herouxville and its surrounding region will forever remain Pur Laine, thanks to the heroic efforts of its council, the Fleur-de-lis draped across their brawny shoulders, and waving on high their sacred sword, the mighty Je Me Souviens license plate du Quebec. It brings a tear, a lump in the throat. No ethnic immigrants, with their odd customs, especially those not ancestrally close to Pur Laine, shall break through village lines to invade its pristine neighbourhoods.
  80. Rob Bairos from Toronto, Canada writes: "Rural Quebec town bans stoning women"
    -But you can still ply them with liquour right?
    My social life depends on it.
  81. scott thomas from Canada writes: That's the thing, gary blades. If I want to cover my face with a balaclava because it's freezing cold, it's my right. Ditto if I want to protect my modesty from the eyes of prying men. The whole incident is institutionalized racism, and I'm embarrassed. No wonder there's not a single immigrant in that town.
  82. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: The Netherlands just introduced a video that all new immigrants to their Country need to watch prior to obtaining citizenship. It outlines what is acceptable to Dutch society.

    I would take this one step further and say that all new immigrants to Canada need to read and agree to a detailed document outlining what will be tolerated and paid for by society and what will not.

    For example medical care will be performed by a male or female on anyone requiring care. Concealing one's face would be considered illegal. This law in on the books in many towns from over 100 hundred years ago in order to make riots harder to assemble. Why should we change it now.

    Canadians need to stand up for our Western values.
  83. Snafu Fubar from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Nothing in the bylaw about Roman Catholic Priests not being able to sexually abuse alter boys is there? Can you still burn women at the stake? They didn't get rid of the stocks in the town square did they? cause that would be WAY over the top! No? All that's still OK? I guess they just wanted to put those "other" religious types in their place. Those ones that aren't from around here.
  84. Frank E. from Toronto, Canada writes: Isn't stoning women somehow already prohibited under the federally enacted Criminal Code?
  85. Snafu Fubar from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Yes it is Frank E.

    But now your REALLY, REALLY not allowed to do it in Herouxville
  86. Rob Bairos from Toronto, Canada writes: Snafu: Priests sexually molesting boys is already in the penal code, (it falls under sexual offenses) and burning women at the stake hasnt happend in the last two hundred years. Justifying current religious behaviour with illegal and/or two-hundred year old events from an another religion is just plain irrelevant.
  87. Scot Affleck from Prince George, Canada writes: J. Luftwaffe from Canada.... I can't find your city named Canada on my map. Too embarrassed about yer town? Jest wunderin'.
  88. Frank E. from Toronto, Canada writes: Someone please enlighten me. Exactly when was the last time a woman was stoned in Canada? (if ever)
  89. Bobby Bitman from Victoria, BC, Canada writes: They forgot to ban farting in an elevator, leaving the toilet seat up, peeing in the pool, double-dipping at the buffet table, putting the toilet paper roll facing the wall (wrong way), wiping your hands on my sleeve after a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, ripping the "do not remove" tag from a mattress, and having one item too many in the grocery store express lineup! Ship me to a penal colony. I'm guilty your honour! Those councillors have way too much time on their hands.
  90. Snafu Fubar from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Ohhhhhh Thanks for the clarity Rob!

    I didn't realize that penal code didn't cover stoning women until this enlightened group in rural Quebec put it on the books.

    I was naive enough to believe it was just a legislated "Your Not Welcome Here" sign to immigrants.

    Tell me Rob, is stoning woman legal elsewhere in Canada?
  91. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: katim coulray from Canada writes: and with a name like 'admore inches', he can't be white.

    ROFLMAO; Katim, I have wanted to type that for months. Well done sir.
  92. M Hammond from London, Canada writes: Herouville, d'accord!
  93. Brendan Caron from Vancouver, Canada writes: As stupid as it seems if you are about to be stoned then you will be thanking these guys. There is no room in Canada for any barbaric act. This by-law reinforces the idea, It makes a point.
  94. Snafu Fubar from Toronto, Canada writes:
    For crying out loud!

    Stoning women is only legal in a few countries in the world. Iran is one, Afghanistan (under Taliban rule) is another, I am sure there are more. It is indeed barbaric and inhumane, but let's not sugar coat this people, this whole issue is a notice to Muslims in this quaint little town. It can be translated as "STAY AWAY"

    There is no point to putting Stoning on the books in any rural jurisdiction because ANY way you choose to kill someone in Canada is illegal.
  95. Frank E. from Toronto, Canada writes: Brendon Caron,

    Do you really think people wanting to stone a woman would be stopped by this? If our Criminal Code doesn't work and the potential of jail time is not a deterrent, how do you think this would seriously help?

    Someone please tell me when stoning became a problem here in Canada?
  96. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: A slippery slope you are walking here people.

    Intollerance and fear have been the seeds to many an attrocity in our world. For centuries.

    The muslims that I know came to this country to escape Sharia law and all the tribalism that goes along with it.

    We don't have a large muslim population, nor will we any time soon, so those of you comparing us to some European countries are fear mongering, bordering on racist.

    If you're worried about some outside religion taking over our country.... maybe you should be worried about the eviroweenies? They seem to be in control of our countries agenda right now.
  97. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Frank E; Just recently as they tried to amend the DUI code to include pot..... When all they had to do was charge them with driving to slow.
  98. Youssi M from Canada writes: The story and majority of comments here are appaling. Some posters find the Herouxville situation funny - Sorry, I don't see anything funny in it. If federal or provincial government does nto react, it'd set an extremaly dangerous precedent. The city council should be disbanded and the government should set it clear that the "rules" have no legal significance. It is perfectly legal in Canada to wear the veil. It is perfectly legal for women to wish not to interact with non-family men. The "majority" Canadians have something to learn here from ethnic minorities: many of Canada's social problems could be avoided if women and men treated each other with decency and respect, not blindsided by the so-called gender equality that leads to divorce, low birthrates, secularization and ultimately makes women unhappy about there place in society. It is also a vital cultural right in certain ethnic communities to carry ceremonial weapons, as long as these are not used with criminal intent. These rights are valid everywhere, including Herouxville. Just imagine something comparabale to this happenng in the US. A city implicating that blacks are not welcome ("nothing against any race but it is forbidden to listen to hip-hop here") would become a major news story there. The "Herouxville rules" amount to such racial and cultural discrimination.
    • Posted 29/01/07 at 10:05 PM EST |