stop for a second.

do i think a ban on religious symbols by public employees would pass a constitutional test? well, it depends on how it's written.

there's this knee-jerk reaction "you shouldn't pass laws that tell people what to wear". well, in general, maybe - but, at work, that's called a dress code.

there's a very big difference between bringing in a social fashion police that tells people what they can and cannot wear in general and passing rules and regulations about what is seen as appropriate in the workplace.

and, are religious symbols appropriate in the workplace, if the workplace is the public sector? i'd frankly lean towards the perspective that, no, they really aren't appropriate in that scenario, and that if you really insist on literally wearing your beliefs on your sleeves then you have the choice to find another job.

now, this is really down to the details. as mentioned - i'd personally rather not have to deal with it when i'm accessing public services. but, the question of the constitutionality of the exact provisions in the law needs to be put before the judiciary.

so, without opposing the general thrust of the bill, i would call on the government to remove the notwithstanding clause, so that it can be determined what is too much and what isn't.