The Quebec government is preparing to introduce strengthened secularism legislation that would significantly expand the province's controversial religious symbols ban to include future employees of private schools, according to multiple reports emerging this week.
Expanding the Scope of Secularism
Jean-François Roberge, the province's minister responsible for secularism, sparked speculation about the new legislation through a social media post on Monday evening. The minister shared a 21-second video on his X account showing handwritten text on what appears to be draft legislation, accompanied by the phrase "C'est comme ça qu'on vit au Québec" - the same justification used by Premier François Legault for the original Bill 21.
The proposed measures represent what some are calling "secularism 2.0" and would mark the Legault government's latest effort to reinforce its secularism policies. While details remain limited, reports indicate the legislation would extend the existing religious symbols ban to cover future hires at private educational institutions across Quebec.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation
Beyond the expansion to private schools, the new bill is expected to include several other significant measures. According to sources familiar with the proposed legislation, the government plans to reduce funding to schools that base student recruitment on religious grounds, though the cuts would not completely eliminate financial support.
The legislation may also impose restrictions on face coverings in post-secondary institutions, specifically universities and CEGEPs, though this ban would not extend to public spaces generally. Like its predecessor Bill 21, the new law is expected to contain the pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to shield it from constitutional challenges.
Political Context and Timing
Minister Roberge's social media post specifically referenced November 27, 2025 as a significant date, suggesting the legislation could be tabled in the coming days. The original Bill 21, passed in 2019, already prohibits certain public servants in positions of authority - including teachers, police officers, and judges - from wearing religious symbols while at work.
The proposed expansion to private schools represents a significant broadening of the government's secularism framework and is likely to generate considerable debate. The Legault government has consistently maintained that such measures are necessary to preserve Quebec's secular character and promote integration.
As with the original legislation, the new bill is expected to face legal challenges and public criticism from those who argue it infringes on religious freedom. The use of the notwithstanding clause indicates the government anticipates such challenges and aims to prevent them from delaying implementation.
