Moral majority

The Quebec Liberal Party's proposal to have newcomers sign a 'moral commitment' to the provinces core values is as absurd an idea as has been heard at the Bouchard-Taylor hearings on reasonable accommodation.

While some of the values they refer to, such as gender equality, are worthy, the proposal on a whole would be an utterly useless and costly endeavour. To start, the Liberal members who presented the idea on Monday said there would be no coercive measures to ensure immigrants adhere to what they have signed to. Nor could they answer what would happen if a newcomer refused to sign this so-called moral commitment to Quebec, which also calls for the respect of the francophone community. Asking people to sign a document, a contract if you will, which has no implications is of no value.

As for Quebec's reality and moral values, what might be true today may not be the case for the next generation. Values change over time. Quebec has transformed since the Quiet Revolution in the 1960s from when the Catholic Church dominated over daily and political life. On top of that, Canadian women were not allowed to vote at the time of Confederation. Our society evolves and so do its values. Abortions used to be illegal and now they are protected as a woman's right. Although some people still don't accept it on moral grounds. Gay marriages have in recent years become accepted by lawmakers. Although some people oppose it on religious grounds. It took decades for changes to come about and asking immigrants to sign a morality clause is a short-sighted agenda for a party to make gains with some voters uncomfortable with Quebec and Canada's changing demographics.

The reasonable accommodation debate has struck a nerve with many Quebecers and perhaps these public hearings will address some concerns that can be dealt with. But the fact is, what has come out the hearings is mostly intolerance to newcomers who may dress, pray, look and speak differently than the majority.