Proposed Ban on Public Prayer in Quebec Sparks Backlash from Muslim Community and Rights Groups

Proposed Ban on Public Prayer in Quebec Sparks Backlash from Muslim Community and Rights Groups
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The Quebec government’s announcement of a potential ban on public prayer has sparked significant controversy and anger among the Muslim community and human rights organizations. Premier François Legault expressed disapproval of public prayers in streets and parks, stating such displays are unwelcome in Quebec.

Eiad Hamed, director of the Montreal Islamic Civilization Institute, noted that Muslims in Canada rarely pray publicly except during authorized protests, such as recent demonstrations supporting Gaza. He described the government’s move as politically motivated, aimed at courting anti-Muslim sentiments ahead of elections by “creating a false enemy.”

Hamed confirmed the Muslim community plans to challenge the ban in court, calling it a clear violation of constitutionally protected religious freedoms. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association warned the ban infringes on rights to religion, expression, and peaceful assembly.

Harini Sevalingam, the association’s equality program director, said suppressing religious expression under secularism undermines dignity, equality, and inclusion. Support came from Quebec Party leader Paul Saint-Pierre Plamondon, who labeled public prayer as religious fundamentalists’ “seizure of public space.”

Former journalist and senator André Pratte suggested the issue is less about prayer and more about targeting Muslims, echoing past controversies over banning religious symbols. This debate continues amid Legault’s secularism-driven policies, including the contentious 2019 Bill 21 restricting religious symbols among public servants.