Charter fuels stereotyping, tension: poll

More on the Charter as the hearings begin. First, the latest poll showing the same divisions of support between francophones and non-francophones. More interesting is the impact of the proposed Charter:

Fifty-three per cent of people polled, including 49 per cent of francophones and 69 per cent of people from other linguistic groups — said they believed relations between communities have already deteriorated since the debate over the charter of values began.

Forty-nine per cent of people polled said they believe adoption of the charter will give rise to civil disobedience in public institutions.

Roughly half of those polled said they believe there has already been an increase in stereotyping against religious minorities. Fifty-seven per cent of people polled — including 80 per cent of non-francophones — said they believe Quebec’s Jews, Muslims and Sikhs should have an equal say to other groups in discussions about the charter.

Support for the charter was higher among manual labourers, retired people and people with incomes of $60,000 to $100,000 than it was for young adults, students and homemakers.

Charter fuels stereotyping, tension: poll.

A good overview of organizations in favour and opposing the Charter, and the related politics and political strategy by Chantal Hébert of The Star:

Get ready for Quebec values charter debate replay: Hébert