Quebec Government Plans Legislation to Ban Prayer in Public Places

The Quebec government, led by Premier François Legault and Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge, plans to introduce legislation this fall banning public prayer, particularly in streets and public parks, as part of a broader effort to reinforce secularism in the province. This move responds to concerns about the increasing occurrence of public prayers, notably during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Montreal, and reflects Legault's stance that public prayer should be confined to religious buildings. Although an independent advisory committee recommended that municipalities regulate public prayers rather than imposing an outright ban, the government has chosen to proceed with province-wide legislation, signaling strong support within the Coalition Avenir Québec caucus. The proposed bill is part of a wider secularism agenda that includes expanding restrictions on religious symbols in public institutions. Critics, including the Canadian Muslim Forum, argue that such a blanket ban risks stigmatizing communities and undermining social cohesion. The government has not yet detailed all aspects of the bill or clarified which locations and faiths it will specifically cover.