A bill pending in the Quebec National Assembly that would impose a stiff fine on merchants who observe the Sabbath on Saturdays if they keep their shops open on Sundays has been assailed by the Canadian Jewish Congress as discrimination against observant Jews. Violators would be subject to a $5,000 fine on first offense.
The measure exempts certain convenience stores, including those selling wines and liquors which are owned by the Province. Bernard Finestone, chairman of the CJC Quebec Region, said “Bill 59 now up for its third reading in the National Assembly this week should encourage religious freedom by allowing those merchants to keep their Sabbath and open Sundays instead.”
“I find it repugnant that the sale of alcohol and liquor is more important to the Quebec population than the observance of one’s Sabbath,” Finestone told a press conference yesterday. He said that “many Jewish stores are losing business because they close Saturday for religious reasons, and again Sunday to comply with the law. There are 19 exceptions in the law already and I don’t think a 20th would make much difference.”
He said the CJC wants any store closed for religious reasons on a weekday to be able to open Sunday.
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