Muslim park observance irks some
The observance of Eid al-Adha in a park in Ahuntsic last week has ruffled some feathers. Le Devoir has a piece about how the borough ought not to have allowed Muslims to monopolize the park.
Would the same people have been so upset if it had been, say, a t’ai chi or yoga class? A meditation group? What about that Marche du pardon that happens in Montreal and other Quebec towns on Good Friday, taking up road space?
jeather 18:02 on 2024-06-20 Permalink
“But David Rand, a spokesperson for a collective representing pro-secularism organizations in Quebec, says religious celebrations should not be allowed on public space because they exclude people who aren’t members of the faith.”
Conveniently, all Christian celebrations are cultural and therefore universally inclusive! Honestly tempted to find the letters and send them with minor edits for Christmas trees in public places and — the horrors — the Santa parade.
Kate 19:20 on 2024-06-20 Permalink
Good terse snapnack from FNoMTL: “If this extends to holidays named after Catholic saints, June 24th about to get wild.”
Chris 10:54 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
Although St Jean is of course named after a Catholic saint, it’s no longer a religious celebration. Things change. What it was is less important than what it is now. 99% of people celebrating St Jean are not thinking of religion at all. 100% of people observing Eid in that park are thinking of religion. So although a pithy snapback, it’s not a proper comparison at all.
jeather 11:17 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
True, it’s even been renamed, though people still call it by the old name. But it’s fine because we have lots of examples of Christianity in the public sphere (public schools named after Jesus or various saints; Christmas decorations everywhere; etc etc), so we can use any of those about the hypocrisy and not have to deal with the history of the June 24 holiday.
Ian 12:09 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
If it’s systemic, how could it be racism? /s
Joey 12:37 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
OK, how about the annual parade down St-Urbain led by the Portuguese community based out of the Mission Santa Cruz church? We cancelling that?
Kate 13:43 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
Joey, you’re right, the Senhor Santo Cristo march took place last month. I saw no complaints in the media.
When does the St‑Viateur march for that Italian martyr boy saint happen? It’s around this time of year, iirc.
Ian 13:57 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
There’s also San Marziale in Mile End, closing down Saint Viateur for a block party.
Joey 14:17 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
Exactly, just so we’re clear – the objection to this isn’t principled or high-minded, it’s rooted in xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia.
Ian 14:24 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
Well that’s it. Secularism is applied unequally and catholaïque tropes of exemption make it seem like anyone that calls out these clear examples of xenophobia and racism is Quebec-bashing.
steph 16:22 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
Why can’t it be both? Xenophobia is an integral part of nationalist Quebec culture. Bash away, deservingly.
Uatu 20:23 on 2024-06-21 Permalink
The Good Friday procession shouldn’t be allowed if we’re all secular, right? Hahaha. Sure lol