The Quebec government says it will introduce legislation this fall to ban prayer in public spaces.
Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge announced Thursday that the rise of street prayers has become “a serious and sensitive issue.” He said Premier François Legault has directed him to strengthen secularism, and the new bill will specifically prohibit public prayers.
This move follows several recent measures by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government to reinforce secular values, including expanding the province’s religious symbols law and requiring immigrants to embrace Quebec’s culture. Premier Legault has previously stated he would consider invoking the notwithstanding clause if needed to enforce such restrictions.
“Praying in streets or public parks is not something we want in Quebec,” Legault said last year, adding that prayer should take place in places of worship, not public spaces.
The plan has sparked strong criticism. The Canadian Muslim Forum called public prayers a form of free expression and warned that banning them would stigmatize communities and undermine social cohesion. They urged the government to focus on pressing issues such as the health-care crisis, housing shortages, and the failed $500 million SAAQclic digital platform project.
Civil liberties advocates also raised concerns, saying such a law would violate fundamental rights, including freedom of religion and expression. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association said public spaces must remain open to everyone, regardless of belief.
Meanwhile, Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said he is not against a ban but questioned why the CAQ government had delayed action if it viewed the matter as urgent.
