A Montreal city councillor says neutrality isn't about discrimination, but about "welcoming, acceptance and accommodation".
Marvin Rotrand says he hopes council will pass a motion affirming members of the elected body have the right to wear religious symbols.
He tabled the motion after premier Legault's pledge to ban state workers in positions of authority, Crown prosecutors, judges, teachers, police officers, and prison guards,from openly wearing religious symbols while on the job.
"It, (motion), basically says anybody is welcome, if they get elected, to be a Montreal city councillor and that's regardless of religion, race or origin and regardless of religious symbols that a person may wear because of their deeply held religious beliefs", said Rotrand in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
"We are tolerant and we're inclusive and I think it's important to say that", said Rotrand.
The planned ban doesn't affect elected officials.
According to the veteran Snowdon councillor, "the fact that somebody in a part of Quebec where there are very few immigrants and very few people who are different feels uncomfortable with diversity, you don't solve that problem by making Quebec less diverse, you solve the problem by making that person feel more comfortable with diversity."
The motion is expected to be debated Tuesday afternoon.