Quebec Government Plans Provincewide Public Prayer Ban to Reinforce Secularism

The Quebec government, led by the Coalition Avenir Quebec party, plans to introduce legislation this fall to ban public prayers as part of an effort to reinforce the province's secularism. Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge emphasized the government's concern over the increasing prevalence of street prayers, particularly in Montreal, describing it as a serious and sensitive issue. Premier François Legault has expressed support for restricting public prayers to religious institutions and has not ruled out using the notwithstanding clause to override parts of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms if necessary. The move follows an independent committee's report that, while recommending stronger secularism measures, suggested municipalities should regulate public prayers rather than imposing a blanket ban. The proposed legislation is part of broader efforts to expand restrictions on religious expressions in public spaces, including extending bans on religious symbols to public school staff and daycare workers. Muslim community groups have voiced concern that such a ban could stigmatize communities and harm social cohesion in Quebec.