The Canadian province of Quebec plans to impose restrictions on public prayer and limit the exclusive offering of religion-based menus, like kosher and halal meals, in public institutions as part of its latest effort to strengthen state secularism.
The secularism 2.0 changes are part of a new bill introduced by the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec on Thursday, which expands a 2019 religious symbols law that has fueled fierce debate throughout the country.
The original law prevents judges, police officers, teachers, and public servants from wearing symbols such as the kippah, turban, or hijab while at work.
Canada's Supreme Court will hear a legal challenge of that law early next year.
Jean-François Roberge, the minister responsible for secularism, stated that the bill reflects an approach to respect individual and collective rights.
The measures proposed in Bill 9 would:
- extend the ban on wearing religious symbols to staff in subsidized daycares;
- bar collective religious practices like prayer in public spaces, such as parks, without prior authorization from municipalities;
- prevent students and staff from wearing face coverings in daycare to post-secondary education.
Roberge indicated that limitations on public prayer were a response to recent protests where prayer was part of pro-Palestinian demonstrations: It's 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, he said.
The decision to strengthen the law has already faced criticism from the opposition Parti Québecois, which accused the CAQ of creating division to bolster support ahead of the next provincial election.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims criticized the bill too, stating that the CAQ was doubling down on identity politics and division in a desperate attempt to regain public trust.
Since the passage of Bill 21 six years ago, the issue of secularism has continued to simmer in the province. Last year, 11 teachers, primarily of North African descent, at a Montreal elementary school were suspended after a government report indicated they had created a toxic environment for students and staff.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault vowed to strengthen secularism measures in schools and legislation has already been approved that extends secularism rules to staff interacting with students in public primary and high schools, banning students from wearing face coverings.
The debate over secularism has played a significant role in Quebec's public discourse for almost two decades, stemming from a historical context where the influence of the Catholic Church has waned. A recent survey revealed that 68% of respondents in Quebec view secularism as an important value.
Similar laws are in effect in various countries across Europe, underscoring a broader international discourse on secularism and religious symbols in public spheres.
