Muslim Organization Considers Legal Challenge Against Quebec's Expanded Secularism Rules
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) announced it is exploring legal options in response to Quebec's newly proposed secularism legislation, which significantly expands existing restrictions on religious expression in public spaces.
Controversial Legislation Targets Religious Symbols and Public Prayer
Quebec's Minister for Secularism, Jean-François Roberge, presented the new bill on Thursday, November 27, 2025, building upon the province's existing Bill 21. The proposed legislation introduces a ban on face coverings and religious symbols within schools while also prohibiting public prayer in various settings.
"Let's not kid ourselves: this bill targets Muslims," stated NCCM president Stephen Brown during an interview following the bill's introduction. Brown characterized the legislation as "what we feared it would be... a crass example of electoral wedge politics."
Government Accused of Using Secularism as Political Distraction
The expanded secularism laws represent the latest in a series of controversial measures from Premier François Legault's government, which has recently introduced reforms to unions and healthcare. Brown suggested the secularism overhaul serves as a political "distraction" from more pressing provincial issues.
"We have real issues in this province," Brown emphasized. "Health care is a real issue. Lack of teachers is a real issue. Cost of living is a real issue. Economic precarity is a real problem." He criticized the government for focusing on restricting religious expression rather than addressing these fundamental concerns.
The Quebec government is once again invoking the notwithstanding clause to shield the legislation from constitutional challenges, a strategy previously employed with Bill 21, which is currently being contested before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Legal and Societal Implications
Brown confirmed that "we're looking at our legal options" regarding the new legislation, designated as Bill 9. He raised concerns about the government's approach to rule of law, noting that the Barreau du Québec has previously warned about concerning trends in provincial legislation.
"When you use quasi-emergency powers to tell people that they're not allowed to pray in parks, you're undermining a key, core concept of Quebec society, which is live and let live," Brown asserted.
The NCCM president expressed hope that the government would "turn away from wedge politics and start applying some wisdom" to better serve Quebec citizens. He urged officials to focus on substantive problems rather than measures that stigmatize religious communities.
The proposed legislation has ignited fresh debate about religious freedom and secularism in Quebec, setting the stage for potential legal battles similar to those surrounding Bill 21.
