Quebec says it will intensify its crackdown on public displays of religion in a sweeping new law that critics say pushes Canadian provinces into private spaces and disproportionately affects Muslims.
Bill 9, introduced by the governing Coalition Avenir Québec, bans prayer in public institutions, including in colleges and universities. It also bans communal prayer on public roads and in parks, with the threat of fines of C$1,125 for groups in contravention of the prohibition. Short public events with prior approval are exempt.
The bill, introduced by the Coalition Avenir Québec government, imposes fines of up to roughly 820 dollars on violators. It aims to broaden the scope of restrictions established in 2019 to include childcare centres, private schools, and higher education institutions. It also mandates a complete ban on face coverings for all individuals inside these facilities, and introduces limitations on serving halal and kosher meals in public institutions, a measure the Quebec government justified by claiming that “public institutions are not temples or churches”.
Religious and human rights groups have warned against the law, affirming that it represents a “radical infringement” on freedoms and specifically targets Muslims. The National Council of Canadian Muslims described the move as “politically opportunistic”, while the Quebec Bishops’ Council noted that the bill would constitute a “flagrant violation” of freedoms. The proposed law relies on the “notwithstanding clause” in the Canadian Constitution, making it immune to constitutional challenges.
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