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Quebec considers banning public prayer amid push for secularism

Quebec’s government is exploring new measures to reinforce its secularism laws, including a potential ban on public prayer, CBC news reported.

This follows the controversial Bill 21, passed five years ago, which prohibits public employees in certain roles from wearing religious symbols. Premier François Legault has hinted that current laws may not be sufficient to uphold secular values.

The proposed changes come after incidents in schools raised concerns. In Bedford, teachers were suspended over alleged religious practices in classrooms. At Saint-Maxime High School, reports of students praying in hallways and classrooms alarmed officials, prompting a government review.

Education Minister Bernard Drainville stated that upcoming changes aim to clarify the boundaries between religious practices and public spaces.

While the government defends its actions as promoting moderation and neutrality, critics argue that these measures disproportionately target religious minorities, particularly Muslim women, and infringe on basic rights.

Despite opposition from minority groups and human rights advocates, the Legault government appears committed to expanding its secularism agenda, fueling ongoing debate in the multicultural province about the balance between religion and state.

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