As we cats have noted, the right wingers, Trumpsters and Republicans have landed on Congresswoman Frederica Wilson like a duck on a June bug, making fun of her hats.
Even protofascists like Sheriff David Clarke — who is known for wearing flamboyant headwear himself — has jumped on the bandwagon. But we're sorry to report that men obsessed with what women wear are not confined to areas south of the 49th Parallel.
The National Assembly of Quebec just voted to ban women wearing niqabs from receiving public services. Which means they can't even ride a bus without uncovering their faces.
This Bill 62 is inherently wrong. We cats do not approve of niqabs or burkas or any belief systems that dictate that women should wear them. But an open, diverse, liberal democracy should be able to tolerate all forms of silly dress. Or, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau put it, "I don't think it's the government's business to tell a woman what she should or shouldn't be wearing."
Take it from us — we've seen outfits on the streets of Outremont in Montreal that are sillier than burkas. But it would never cross our minds in a million years to tell the devout Orthodox Jews running around in them that they have to take them off. And it's pretty lame that a legislative body that meets in a room with a freaking crucifix on the wall should get all umbrage-y about other people's religions.
Meanwhile, a bright spot: Non-Muslim women, offended by the law, demonstrated at Montreal buses today with their faces covered. We love this. And we can't wait until Halloween. We cats PURR.
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