Parti Qubcois wants to resurrect secular values charter

Parti Qubcois MNAs are calling on Premier Philippe Couillard to table a secular charter or religious neutrality bill as soon as possible.

Leader Stphane Bdard calledCouillard's"inaction is unacceptable."

"We want a debate," he said Wednesday.

PQ MNAs are discussing the kind of position they will take behind closed doors at their two-day caucus meeting in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

PQ:Couillard needs to make good on promise

PQHouse Leader Agns Maltais saidCouillard is breaking an election promise.

"Quebecers elected them on a promise that they would move quickly on this and they are once again renouncing that promise," she said.

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The premier announced last week his government would deal with the issuebeforethe end of its mandate, which is in 2018.

That's a step away from his original position. On election night last April, he said his government would deal with the secular issue as soon as possible.

Couillard saidhe wants emotions to cool after the Paris attacks before he deals with such a sensitive issue.

By hammering away at the secular issuenow,thePQis hoping to put it front and centre over the next couple of months.

PQ leadership candidate Bernard Drainville, also known asthe father of thefailedsecular charter, said a secular charteris necessary to help fight Islamic fundamentalism.

"I'm saying secularism is a good means to put a wall in front of this radical current, becauseit says, 'Don't try to impose on our schools your religious agenda. We're telling you in advance our state is neutral here,'" Drainville said.