August 28, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The Quebec government is preparing to introduce a new bill this fall that could ban prayers in public spaces such as streets and parks.
Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge stated that street prayers have become a “serious and sensitive issue.” He explained that Premier François Legault has tasked him with strengthening Quebec’s secular policies, and this bill would be a step in that direction.
Roberge said the new legislation will specifically target street prayers, though details of how this would be enforced have not yet been made public.
Premier Legault has previously said that people should pray in churches, mosques, or temples, not in public spaces. He also indicated he may invoke the “notwithstanding clause” — a legal tool that allows provinces to override parts of Canada’s Constitution temporarily — to pass the law if necessary.
The announcement comes after a viral video showed a group of Muslims praying outside Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, which stirred public debate. However, people of other faiths also hold public religious events in Quebec, such as the Catholic Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday.
The Canadian Muslim Forum strongly criticized the proposed ban, stating that street prayer is a form of freedom of expression. They warned that such a law could increase racial discrimination and harm social unity. The group added that at a time when Quebecers are struggling with health care, housing, and the cost of living, the government should focus on real issues rather than restricting fundamental rights.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association also voiced opposition, saying that banning prayer in public would violate constitutional rights, including freedom of religion, expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
Interestingly, a government-commissioned report released days before the announcement did not recommend a ban on public prayer. Instead, it said that municipal governments already have the authority to manage such matters.
Despite this, Minister Roberge said that after internal discussions and reviewing the report, the government has decided to proceed with the new legislation.
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