controversial signal to immigrants about the limits of Canada's renowned tolerance. This town of 1,338 people, fearing a loss of its "identity" in the face of mounting demands by minority and religious groups in the francophone province, has faced accusations of xenophobia since unveiling its code of conduct for immigrants this week.
The initiative comes as debate rages in nearby Montreal, a multicultural metropolis 200 kilometers (125 miles) west, about what lengths Quebec society should go to accommodate unfamiliar religious or ethnic traditions.
Henceforth, newcomers to Herouxville are forbidden from requesting halal meats, which are prepared in the manner prescribed by Islamic law, from a local butcher.
They must not "publicly stone women to death" nor "burn women with acid" nor circumcise them, and wearing a veil is strongly discouraged, the municipality declared.
Unlike Montreal or Toronto, in neighboring Ontario province, both with large ethnic populations, the number of recent immigrants settling in Herouxville can be counted on one hand.
But townsfolk decidedly believe these measures will someday attract a wave of likeminded immigrants who "wish to escape what they left behind," said Andre Drouin, a municipal magistrate who authored the document.
"It's written clearly in black and white in the document that all are welcome, we want to welcome you," he insisted.
The town Web site has been assailed by the curious and e-mails have come in from all over. "People in Japan, Costa Rica, Australia, and the United States have checked out the site and we received more than 2,000 supportive e-mails," town Web master Bernard Thompson said.
The issue is far from settled, however, with some accusing townsfolk of racism and xenophobia.
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