Ottawa, Dec 13 (ANI): The Canadian government has introduced a ban on wearing any kind face coverings while swearing the oath of citizenship.
The nation's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney said that anyone wanting to become a Canadian would have to show their face.
He said citizenship judges and MPs had complained it could be hard to tell if veiled applicants were actually reciting the oath.
Kenney dismissed the idea that the ban could infringe the religious freedom of those taking the oath.
"This is not simply a practical measure. It is a matter of deep principle that goes to the heart of our identity and our values of openness and equality," The BBC quoted him, as saying.
Kenney added that Canadian law took priority over religious doctrine.
"In my view Canadian law takes precedence. This is a public act of witness in front of your fellow citizens, in front of the law and you should be willing to show yourself in that public act of witness. I think it's very straightforward," he said.
According to the report, Canada is considering a wider ban on veils in government offices, schools and hospitals. (ANI)
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