“We-Sisters” and the Rights of Women to Equality: Analysis of Dissenting Opinions Surrounding the Enactment of Bill 63 Amending the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms

Abstract

In June 2008, the government of Québec amended the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, adding to section 10, which already prohibits sex discrimination, two sections specifically recognizing women’s equality with men. The enactment of this law recognizing gender equality as a fundamental value of Québec society has raised very important legal, political, and sociological issues. The women’s movement, which had not requested such an amendment and which had not been consulted, was forced to respond to it nonetheless. This amendment brought to the surface the latent debate between “pure laine” feminists and feminists from the cultural communities in Québec—the debate on “we-sisters” (“nous-femmes”). By analyzing the representations made by women’s groups and other social groups before the Social Affairs Commission whose task it was to reflect on Bill 63, this article seeks to explore the various manifestations of dissension on this issue within the Québec feminist movement. The analysis highlights the difficulty of defining “we-sisters,” of building priorities, and of establishing strategies. Is the right to equality still at the heart of women’s demands?