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Quebec proposes expanded secularism laws, targeting public prayer and religious menus
Quebec's governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) unveiled a new bill on Thursday to further restrict religious expression in public institutions, including bans on public prayer and exclusive religion-based meal options like kosher and halal menus. The proposed legislation, dubbed "secularism 2.0," builds on the controversial 2019 Bill 21, which barred public servants-including judges, police, and teachers-from wearing religious symbols such as hijabs, turbans, or kippahs while on duty.
Reaction to protests and political criticism
Jean-François Roberge, Quebec's minister responsible for secularism, framed the new measures as a response to recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations where public spaces were "transformed into places of worship." Speaking at a news conference in French, Roberge condemned the occupation of streets and parks for prayer without permits, calling it "shocking."
The opposition Parti Québécois accused the CAQ of stoking division ahead of next year's provincial election, while the National Council of Canadian Muslims criticized the bill as "doubling down on identity politics" to regain public trust. The proposed restrictions have reignited debates over Quebec's secularism policies, which have polarized the province since Bill 21 passed in 2019.
Legal challenges and constitutional controversies
Bill 21, which remains in effect, invoked Canada's "notwithstanding clause"-a constitutional override that shields it from legal challenges based on fundamental freedoms. The law's use of this clause has drawn criticism, with opponents arguing it disproportionately affects religious minorities, particularly Muslim women. Canada's Supreme Court is set to review Bill 21 in early 2026, examining both its content and the legitimacy of the notwithstanding clause's application.
Last year, 11 Montreal teachers-mostly of North African descent-were suspended after allegations of promoting "Islamist" beliefs and avoiding subjects like science and sex education. Premier François Legault cited the case as justification for tightening secularism rules, including a 2024 ban on religious symbols for daycare workers and a phase-out of public funding for private religious schools.
Public opinion and historical context
A September 2025 poll by Léger, commissioned by Le Journal de Montréal and TVA, found that 68% of Quebecers view secularism-known locally as laïcité-as a core value. The principle, rooted in the province's 1960s rejection of Catholic Church influence, has shaped Quebec's identity for decades. Similar laws exist in Europe, including France's 2004 ban on religious symbols in schools and its 2010 prohibition of face coverings in public.
Key provisions of the new bill
- Restrictions on public prayer in government-owned spaces.
- Limits on exclusive religious meal options (e.g., kosher, halal) in public institutions.
- Expanded bans on religious symbols for additional public-sector roles, including daycare staff.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Jean-François Roberge, Minister Responsible for Secularism (translated from French)
