Welcome sign with image of woman wearing hijab officially removed by Montreal City Hall

Montreal City Hall has officially removed a welcome sign that depicted, among others, an image of a woman wearing a hijab.

“The poster did not meet the desired objective,” said Catherine Cadotte, a press attaché for Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.

• READ MORE: Montreal City Hall removing welcome sign with hijab sends wrong message: Muslim group

She adds the sign, which was displayed in the lobby of city hall, will be “replaced by a participatory concept that will see works proposed by young Montrealers on a rotating basis, showcasing their aspirations for the future of Montreal.”

Cadotte stresses that city hall “remains an inclusive place where everyone is welcome.”

• READ MORE: Montreal to remove city hall welcome sign that includes woman wearing hijab

Last fall, city officials confirmed the image would be removed in the name of secularism following criticism. Mouvement laïque québécois, a group which advocates for secularism in society, was among the critics, calling the sign offensive.

The poster was first unveiled in June when the building reopened after extensive renovations.