The Quebec government stands by its decision to expel a woman from a language class for refusing to remove her niqab veil and will take further steps to avoid similar situations in the future, Deputy Premier Nathalie Normandeau said on Wednesday.
The Egyptian woman complained to the province's human rights commission after she was kicked out of a language class for new immigrants at the CÉGEP St-Laurent when she would not take off the niqab that covers her head and face while in class. The veil leaves only her eyes exposed.
But, Normandeau said the government was simply "taking its responsibility" in supporting the CÉGEP in its decision to expel the woman.