Quebec anti-charter protesters hopeful as criticism of plan grows

MONTREAL - Protesters against Quebec's charter of values are feeling a little more hopeful following a week where several former Parti Quebecois leaders come out against the plan.

Another round of demonstrations was held again Sunday, with events staged in Montreal and Quebec City.

C.B. Singh, one of the organizers of a rainy march in Montreal, says he's glad to see that many disagree with the PQ's plan to forbid public employees from wearing religious headgear.

Singh says he doesn't expect PQ Premier Pauline Marois to abandon the proposal any time soon, but hopes the criticism could make it harder for her to get public support.

Former PQ premiers Jacques Parizeau, Lucien Bouchard and Bernard Landry have called for the plan to be watered down.

As it stands, the charter would bar anyone wearing a hijab, kippa, turban or a prominent crucifix from working in the public sector.

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  Thousands of people gathered at the National Assembly to protest the values charter in Quebec on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013.

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  Quebec Premier Pauline Marois, flanked by collaborator Stephane Dolbec, left, and press attaché Marie Barrette, walks to question period after she reacted to comments made by former premier Jacques Parizeau over the proposed Quebec charter of values, Thursday, October 3, 2013 at the legislature in Quebec City. (Jacques Boissinot / THE CANADIAN PRESS)