The newly-elected premier of Quebec in Canada has raised eyebrows by saying a crucifix hanging in the provincial legislature is not a religious symbol.
François Legault's remarks come despite his government plan to ban civil servants from wearing items of clothing such as hijabs and the Jewish skullcap. The policy has been widely criticised as it targets minority groups. Proponents said the law was meant to promote secularism and separate Church and state.
A 2008 report said the crucifix which has been hanging in the legislature since 1936 should be removed. But the Quebec government refused to implement its findings.
Since winning a majority in last week's election, Legault's Coalition Avenir Québec party has renewed the call to ban all religious symbols, and has even said he would consider firing teachers who refused to comply with the ban. His willingness to ban religious symbols - whilst refusing to take the crucifix down from the legislature - has drawn much criticism.
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