The Quebec government announced a significant legislative move last week, aiming to reinforce the province's status as a secular state by introducing a ban on prayer in public spaces.
Legislation Targets Public Demonstrations
The minister responsible for secularism, Jean-Francois Roberge, presented the proposed law at a news conference on Thursday, November 27, 2025. He stated the legislation is a direct response to pro-Palestinian demonstrators who have been conducting prayers in public areas, including the middle of intersections, thereby blocking traffic.
Roberge expressed strong views on the matter, calling it "shocking to see people blocking traffic, taking possession of the public space without a permit, without warning, and then turning our streets, our parks, our public squares into places of worship." The government's position is that while freedom of religion is protected, it does not extend to disrupting public order.
Criticism and Legal Challenges
The proposed bill has immediately faced opposition from civil liberties groups and religious organizations. The National Council of Canadian Muslims condemned the move, accusing the province of "doubling down on identity politics and division in a desperate attempt to regain the public’s trust."
This new legislation builds upon Quebec's existing secularism laws, known as Bill 21, which were enacted six years ago. Those laws prohibit certain public servants in positions of authority, including teachers and police officers, from wearing religious symbols like crucifixes, kippahs, turbans, and hijabs.
The Supreme Court of Canada is scheduled to hear an appeal against Bill 21 next year, a case that will be closely watched as it challenges the core principles of the original law. The new proposal would further prevent workers and students in schools and subsidized daycare centres from wearing face coverings.
A National Conversation on Secularism
The Quebec government's firm stance is igniting a nationwide debate. Proponents argue the law is necessary to maintain public order and the secular character of the state. They contend that the "polite Canadian majority" should not have to endure roads and public squares being used for demonstrations that include prayer.
Opponents, however, see it as a dangerous infringement on the fundamental right to freedom of worship, protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They argue that the law unfairly targets specific religious groups and their forms of expression.
As the political and legal battles loom, Jean-Francois Roberge and the Quebec government are standing firm, suggesting that other provinces observe their approach. The minister emphasized that the legislation is about ensuring that worship happens in appropriate spaces without impeding the rights and safety of others.
