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.


The latest efforts to strengthen state secularism, dubbed 'secularism 2.0', are part of a new bill introduced by the governing Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) on Thursday, expanding on 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, told a news conference that the bill was 'part of an approach that respected individual as well as 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

  • prevent students and staff from wearing face coverings in daycare all the way through post-secondary education


Roberge stated that the limits on public prayer were a response to recent protests, particularly surrounding pro-Palestinian demonstrations.


He emphasized, 'It's shocking to see people blocking traffic, taking possession of the public space without a permit...'


The decision to strengthen the law has faced criticism from the opposition Parti Québécois, accusing CAQ of creating division in an attempt to bolster support ahead of the provincial election.


The National Council of Canadian Muslims also criticized the bill for 'doubling down on identity politics and division in a desperate attempt to regain the public's trust'.


Since Bill 21 was passed six years ago, the issue of secularism has continued to simmer in Quebec.


Last year, 11 teachers at a Montreal school were suspended following allegations of fostering a toxic environment. Premier Francois Legault vowed to enhance secularism measures after claims of 'Islamist' beliefs in schools.


A government-mandated committee's recommendations included banning religious symbols for daycare staff and phasing out public funding for private religious schools.


Legault's government previously passed laws extending secularism to staff interacting with students in public schools, barring face coverings.


Critics argue that the secularism laws disproportionately affect religious minorities, especially Muslim women.