XPost: can.politics   
   From: nospam@nospam.com   
      
   On 9/15/2013 6:32 AM, Chom Noamsky wrote:   
   > On 9/14/2013 9:02 PM, Tom P wrote:   
   >> The employer has the right to impose a dress code. In this case its the   
   >> province telling their workers to keep their religion at home.   
   >>   
   >> Personally, I don't have a problem with that. If it is that important   
   >> that someone doesn't want to hide their religion at work then they   
   >> should look for other employment.   
   >>   
   >> I don't want my children to be taught by teacher wearing a Kirpan or a   
   >> male teacher wearing a dress and being openly Gay.   
   >   
   > I've never supported double standards for safety, like the right to wear   
   > a turban instead of a helmet, or allowing kirpans in places where knives   
   > are banned for secutiry reasons.  Otherwise, people should be permitted   
   > free expression of their beliefs and values, in the workplace and   
   > elsewhere.  You have to think of what could be next, Tom, maybe a ban on   
   > Greenpeace logos on your clothing?   
   >   
   > Standing up for the rights of people you don't agree with is tough but   
   > it's something you should do. The day will come when the people you seek   
   > to oppress will feel completely righteous about curtailing your rights.   
      
   I agree with you on the safety standards... That just makes sense. But   
   going back to my other example, would you support your child's male   
   teacher to be a cross dresser and show up to school in a dress and high   
   heals? It may be an extreme example, but where is the line crossed?   
      
   Should there be a dress code for salesmen? Should your gas jockey wear a   
   company uniform? These are required for the job. If you don't want to   
   wear the company garb, then get another job.   
      
   It's the same with religious symbols and civil servants who have to   
   interact with the public. I don't see where it is a problem for the   
   province to tell their employees to leave their religion at home when at   
   work. Civil servants are already required to keep silent on their   
   political beliefs and not to criticize the government they work for. And   
   that even includes when not on the job!   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)