Trudeau says he refuses to pick a fight with Quebec over religious symbols law

Trudeau said that while he personally disagreed with Bill 21, he said that someone being removed from their post due their religion in a free and open society was unacceptable.

The bill, which has been a topic of controversy across Canada due in part to the lack of willingness from party leaders to take a strong stand against it in fear of losing Quebec votes, bans religious symbols from being displayed in class. This includes crosses, hijabs, turbans, and more.

Critics say that the bill disproportionately impacts people of colour, due to their religious symbols being more visible than a Christians would be with a cross around their neck.

Quebec Premier François Legault told reporters on Monday that Ottawa should "respect the democratic choices made by the Quebec nation."

"It's a reasonable law," said Legault, according to The Montreal Gazette. "It's more moderate [than France's law] … I was glad to see in Justin Trudeau's reaction…that this was for Quebecers to debate among themselves."

Legault has also said that it was wrong for the teacher to be hired in the first place.