The Quebec government has approved a new law that restricts public prayer and expands the prohibition on wearing religious symbols to include daycare employees. Bill 9, officially known as An Act respecting the reinforcement of laicity in Quebec, is an extension of previous legislation introduced by Premier François Legault.
The legislation received support from Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec and the Parti Québécois, while the Liberals and Québec Solidaire opposed it. Key provisions of the law include banning subsidized daycare staff from displaying religious symbols, with exceptions for existing employees, and preventing public institutions like hospitals from offering religious-specific food items.
Additionally, the law aims to phase out public funding for religious private schools that discriminate based on religious beliefs. It also prohibits prayer spaces in public institutions, including universities, and restricts group prayers in public areas without municipal approval.
Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s minister responsible for secularism, introduced the bill to uphold the state’s religious neutrality and ensure equal treatment for all citizens. Notably, the law includes a preemptive clause, the notwithstanding provision, to protect it from potential challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This legislation is part of a series of secularism laws in Quebec, following a previous law that banned religious symbols for school employees interacting with students. The controversial Bill 21, passed in 2019, is currently facing a legal challenge in the Supreme Court. Critics, including religious organizations and civil liberties advocates, argue that these laws unfairly target minority groups for political purposes.
The passage of Bill 9 occurred on Legault’s last day as premier at the National Assembly. He will continue as Member of the National Assembly for L’Assomption until his party selects a new leader and premier on April 12.