Quebec’s Public Prayer Ban: A Debate on Secularism, Freedom, and Fairness
Quebec is enacting a new law, Bill 9, to further restrict public displays of religion, including banning prayer in public institutions and on public roads, with fines for violations. This builds upon the controversial Bill 21, expanding restrictions on religious symbols in public sector workplaces to include daycares, colleges, universities, and private schools. The government argues the law is part of its secularization efforts and applies equally to all, however, critics, including religious groups and organizations, condemn the bill, and some are claiming it is discriminatory. The legislation invokes the notwithstanding clause, protecting it from challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Supreme Court of Canada is expected to review the legal challenges to this clause.
John Q. Hosedrinker