The Montreal Police Department has banned its officers from wearing the image of St. Michael, its patron saint.
Newsroom (December 25, 2022, 2:00 PM, Gaudium Press) Montreal police have asked their officers to stop wearing religious symbols while on the job, according to information obtained by Radio-Canada.
A state secularism law, passed in 2019, prohibits the use of religious symbols by state representatives in public office. Despite court challenges to this law, the Quebec Supreme Court upheld it in 2021.
Since the bill was introduced, it has been criticized by political and religious leaders, who have labeled it an act of discrimination and an attack on religious freedom.
In a memo, Montreal authorities stated that “After analysis, it has been agreed that the Saint Michael emblem worn by police officers of the SPVM (Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal) on their uniform is a religious sign within the meaning of the law.
Accordingly, we hereby ask you to kindly remove from your uniforms any insignia that symbolizes or refers to the Archangel Saint Michael, for compliance with the law.”
In honour of the patron saint of Canadian police, photos of police officers wearing insignia that read “St. Michael protect us” circulated on social media.
The Montreal police union agreed with the request.
The police code of ethics stipulates that a police officer must perform his or her duties with “disinterest and impartiality.” This means avoiding putting oneself in a situation where there is a conflict of interest or that could compromise one’s impartiality or judgment.
Compiled by Zephania Gangl
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