Individual Liberty and The Bill 94 in Quebec, Canada

In regards to individual liberty, Locke believes that each individual is the judge of their own actions (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2002). All individuals have a right to be free and a right to decide how they want to live without interference from the state. (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2002). Muslim women have the right to freely cover their face without limitations or discrimination from state authority. Bill 94 would terminate the individual choice of Muslim women and interfere with their individual rights and liberty. Locke believes that the pursuit of happiness comes from co-operation (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2002). He explains that individual happiness will eventually lead to the happiness of society (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2012). The possible legislation of Bill 94 has already caused uproar across Canada for both Muslim and Non-Muslim communities. The unhappiness of all these individuals will eventually affect the stability and happiness of the overall society. The limitations Bill 94 would place upon individual liberties and freedoms of Muslim women further supports Locke’s disagreement.

80% of the Canadian population and 95% of Quebecers support Bill 94. According to Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarian principle, banning the niqab would be reasonable legislation. The core value of the utilitarian principle is “to maximize happiness and prevent pain and suffering” (Sandel, 2009, p. 34). He believes that the happiness of the majority outweighs the suffering of the minority. Bill 94 would make the majority of Canadians happy and only cause distress to the minority Muslim population. Theoretically the concept seems plausible, but when constructed in real world situations, it begins to deteriorate. Stuart Mill’s utilitarian approach provide...

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