Samira Laouni joined a protest in Montreal on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, after a Superior Court decision on Quebec’s secularism law, Bill 21. The Canadian Press
The Quebec government has approved a new law that widens the province’s restrictions on religious symbols and face coverings in schools. The move strengthens Quebec’s commitment to secularism and builds on its 2019 law, which already banned teachers, judges, and police officers from wearing visible religious symbols while on duty.
The new legislation goes further by applying the ban to all school employees and volunteers, as well as students who interact with staff. It also prohibits students from wearing face coverings during school hours, citing the importance of clear communication and respect for secular spaces in education.
Who the Law Covers
Under the new rules, anyone working in a school environment falls under the secularism policy. This includes not only teachers and administrators but also psychologists, janitors, cafeteria workers, and other support staff. The law also applies to volunteers and service providers, such as library helpers or counsellors who regularly interact with students.
Quebec officials say the goal is to ensure all school environments reflect the same principles of neutrality and equality, regardless of religious belief.
“We want schools to remain places where everyone feels equal,” said a government spokesperson. “That means maintaining secularism at every level.”
Roots of the New Legislation
The decision to introduce the bill came after a provincial investigation into a Montreal elementary school last year. The inquiry found that several teachers, mostly of North African origin, had exercised what the government described as “autocratic control” over students and staff.
Officials said the investigation revealed deeper concerns about maintaining the separation of religion and state institutions. The findings prompted Quebec’s education ministry to review its policies and tighten the secularism framework in schools.
Future Plans and Wider Impact
The government also plans to extend the religious symbols ban to daycare centres, ensuring that children in early learning environments are included under the same secular standards.
The expansion of the law has sparked debate across the province, with supporters saying it protects Quebec’s secular identity, while critics argue it unfairly targets minority groups and limits personal freedom.
Legal experts expect more challenges in court, similar to the ongoing disputes over Bill 21, the province’s original secularism law passed in 2019. That law faced strong opposition but has remained largely in effect following multiple court rulings.
Despite the controversy, Quebec’s leadership says it remains committed to maintaining what it calls a neutral public sphere. “This is about fairness and equality,” the government said in a statement. “Secularism protects everyone’s right to live free from religious influence in public institutions.”
The new law will take effect in the coming months, giving schools time to update policies and inform staff, students, and families about the new requirements.
