, all establishments governed by the Education Act must ensure “that no place is used, in fact or in appearance, for the purpose of religious practices such as open prayers or other similar practices.”The move followed the unanimous adoption of a motion in the National Assembly declaring that “the establishment of places of prayer, regardless of denomination, in the premises of a public school will be against the principle of secularism.
“This is about violating the fundamental rights of minors and adults in terms of their freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, but also individuals’ right of association.” Since “this is a complete ban on all forms of prayer and prayer is an essential component of Muslim religious practice, this prohibition discriminates against a group of individuals to the detriment of other groups,” the organizations argue.Article content
In 2019, Premier François Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec government brought forward Bill 21, which bars people from some government jobs who wear religious symbols such as the Muslim hijab, Jewish kippah and Sikh turban