Veiled attack

SINCE Canada enacted a rule in 2011 requiring veiled women to reveal their faces during public citizenship ceremonies, the country has sworn in 680,000 citizens. Just two have refused to comply. This seemingly marginal issue has come to the fore in campaigning for the national election to be held on October 19th. It could well affect the outcome.

When and where women wear a niqab, which covers all but the eyes, became an issue last month when the Conservative government said it would appeal to the Supreme Court a lower court’s decision that the rule contravenes the Citizenship Act. This requires judges to allow the greatest possible religious freedom when administering the citizenship oath. The fuss is a godsend for Stephen Harper, who hopes voters will re-elect him for a fourth term as prime minister—despite their fatigue with his ten-year rule and a weak economy. “When you join the Canadian family in a public citizenship ceremony it is essential that that is a time when you reveal yourselves to Canadians,” he declared.