Quebec Premier Proposes Ban on Public Prayer

Quebec Premier François Legault announced plans to ban public prayer in response to reports of religious practices in schools, particularly at a Laval secondary school. He expressed concerns over teachers allegedly allowing prayers in classrooms and promoting Islamist concepts, stating that such actions are 'totally unacceptable' and should not occur in Quebec. Legault emphasized the need to distinguish between private and public religious expression, asserting that prayer should be confined to places of worship. He indicated that his government is exploring all legal options, including invoking the notwithstanding clause, to implement this ban. The comments have drawn criticism, with some groups asserting that they reflect a trend of marginalizing Muslim communities in Quebec. This move follows the province's longstanding emphasis on secularism, highlighted by previous legislation restricting religious symbols in public sectors.