Should Authorities Have the Power to Ask Your Religion?

[FiveParadox]

To be clear, I am not referring to the context of a census or a like activity.

The topic arose in The Honourable the Senate, when The Honourable Senator Nancy Ruth C.M. (Cluny, Ontario) brought the issue up in question period. The honourable senator mentioned that her taxi driver, earlier that day, had been asked by a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to identify his religion at a checkpoint.

Senator Ruth raised the issue with Senator the Honourable Marjory LeBreton P.C. (Ontario), the Leader of Her Majesty's Government in the Senate. The Leader of the Government was asked whether the Government had directed the RCMP to seek to identify citizens' religions in the performance of their duties; the Leader of the Government committed to return to the Senate with a response at a later time.

So what do you think?

Check out the Debates of the Senate, where the issue arose, here.

 

[Johnnny]

there is no links in the OP

Is this just another copy and paste??????


im sorry the taxi drier was so offened by one persn that he "the taxi driver" felt compelled to label the whole RCMP as racist.... Really ?!?!?!

Since there is no link as of now... i can imagine that the taxi driver was just looking to shake down "Whitey" for some money....

 

[FiveParadox]

there is no links in the OP

Is this just another copy and paste??????


im sorry the taxi drier was so offened by one persn that he "the taxi driver" felt compelled to label the whole RCMP as racist.... Really ?!?!?!

Since there is no link as of now... i can imagine that the taxi driver was just looking to shake down "Whitey" for some money....

I do not copy-and-paste. I just forgot to link to the Debates. Fixed.

 

[Johnnny]

cool thanks.... Lately, and you havent been around lately... People have been copy and pasting to the point where its going out of style

 

[SLM]

I'd have to say no. In the vast majority of situations what would be the relevance?

 

[CDNBear]

I have to say yes.

That way I can get it out there that I'm a Jedi.

It would be a stupid question to ask. You can give any answer you want.

 

[SLM]

I have to say yes.

That way I can get it out there that I'm a Jedi.

Getting tired of walking around in jackets with unattached sleeves are you? lol.

It would be a stupid question to ask. You can give any answer you want.

While I am a fan of the smart *** remark, I'd have to admit I'd go standard answer on that one.

 

[CDNBear]

Getting tired of walking around in jackets with unattached sleeves are you? lol.

LOL, no, but quite frankly the question is ludicrous.

You can literally say anything you want. Saying Jedi would just emphasize that.

While I am a fan of the smart *** remark, I'd have to admit I'd go standard answer on that one.

Princess of the Dark Side?

 

[SLM]

LOL, no, but quite frankly the question is ludicrous.

You can literally say anything you want. Saying Jedi would just emphasize that.

Of course it's a ludicrous question. Even though it's difficult to assess any question without context, I have a really difficult time imagining what possible context there would be that this would be at all relevant.

Princess of the Dark Side?

They have the best cookies.

 

[DaSleeper]

Maybe the taxi driver inadvertently gave the Knights of Columbus sign, and the officer found it strange coming from a Pakistani:lol:

 

[CDNBear]

Of course it's a ludicrous question. Even though it's difficult to assess any question without context, I have a really difficult time imagining what possible context there would be that this would be at all relevant.

It may not even be true.

After reading the link, it would appear the taxi driver merely told Senator Ruth that he'd been asked.

They have the best cookies.

Holy even.

Maybe the taxi driver inadvertently gave the Knights of Columbus sign, and the officer found it strange coming from a Pakistani:lol:

He's from Yemen.

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

The RCMP have absolutely no use for this information in routine investigations. If they are at a murder scene where a guy has been stabbed with a crucifix, then maybe the question becomes pertinent when interviewing suspects. Otherwise, no. I doubt that this is a government directive however. Probably just one cop.

 

[CDNBear]

If at all true.

 

[CanIrish]

sure why not?? people are offended by everything these days...
especially since religious extremism is the biggest threat to our liberty.

 

[WLDB]

Even though I don't have one I'd say no.

 

[Sal]

The response to the answer could cause a problem due to some people's inability to differentiate between belief and behaviour. So, no!

 

[Goober]

No person in authority, job interview, co worker, employer should ask such a question. Exceptions do arise. I have observant Muslims working for me and prayer times have to be accommodated when possible, which they are. Also what is their response when praying to an alarm which requires immediate attention.
And if relevant in a court case.

 

[taxslave]

Taxi drivers being what they are it is entirely possible that the driver has some obviously religious paraphernalia hanging about and the cop was simply curious.

 

[Goober]

Taxi drivers being what they are it is entirely possible that the driver has some obviously religious paraphernalia hanging about and the cop was simply curious.

That sounds about 90 plus % right. Innocent conversation.

 

[taxslave]

That sounds about 90 plus % right. Innocent conversation.

Which totally ruins the conspiracy theorists day.