Quebec Strengthens Secularism Law, Restricts Public Prayer

Sun Nov 30 2025 22:22:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a move to reinforce state secularism, Quebec expands its law to restrict public prayer and tighten regulations regarding religious symbols among public employees and within educational institutions.

Quebec's government has enacted stricter secularism laws, imposing new limits on public prayer and proscribing the display of religious symbols in state institutions. The "secularism 2.0" reforms, introduced by the Coalition Avenir Quebec, aim to uphold the state's religious neutrality amidst ongoing debates over religious practices in public life. The bill has sparked both support and opposition, citing concerns around division within society and targeting of religious minorities.

The Canadian province of Quebec plans to impose restrictions on public prayer and limit the exclusive offering of religion-based menus, like kosher and halal meals, in public institutions as part of its latest effort to strengthen state secularism.

The 'secularism 2.0' changes are part of a new bill introduced by the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec on Thursday, which expands a 2019 religious symbols law that has fueled fierce debate throughout the country.

The original law prevents judges, police officers, teachers, and public servants from wearing symbols such as the kippah, turban, or hijab while at work.

Canada's Supreme Court will hear a legal challenge of that law early next year.

Jean-François Roberge, the minister responsible for secularism, stated that the bill was 'part of an approach that respected individual as well as collective rights' during a news conference.

The measures proposed in Bill 9 would:

extend the ban on wearing religious symbols to staff in subsidized daycares
bar 'collective religious practices' like prayer in public spaces, such as parks, without prior authorization from municipalities
prevent students and staff from wearing face coverings in daycare all the way through to post-secondary education

Roberge noted that the limits on public prayer were in response to recent protests in the province, particularly concerning prayers at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, asserting that it was 'shocking' to see individuals block traffic and use public spaces for worship without permits.

The decision to strengthen the law has faced criticism from the opposition Parti Québécois, which claims that the CAQ is fostering division to garner support ahead of next year's provincial election. The National Council of Canadian Muslims has accused the CAQ of 'doubling down on identity politics' in an attempt to regain public trust.

Since Bill 21 was passed six years ago, the issue of secularism has continued to provoke controversy. Last year, 11 teachers at a Montreal elementary school were suspended after a report stated they created a toxic environment and avoided critical subjects. Premier Francois Legault asserted that these educators tried to introduce 'Islamist' beliefs and pledged to enhance secularism measures in schools.

In August, a government-mandated committee released recommendations that included banning religious symbols for daycare workers and phasing out public funding for private religious schools.

As the debate over secularism progresses, the Quebec government remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold a secular state, despite the criticism and legal challenges that lie ahead.