Quebec Prayer Ban
Defending Muslim students’ religious freedom by challenging the Quebec government’s ban on visible prayers in schools.
WHAT'S
HAPPENING
Quebec Prayer Ban
In April 2023, the Quebec government issued a decree, effectively banning visible prayer in public schools. This prohibits designated prayer rooms and restricts students from praying openly.
The joint lawsuit addresses the prayer ban’s violation of personal and religious freedoms. This is an issue that has direct effects on the lives of children. The lawsuit includes a Quebec student plaintiff whose civil rights and religious freedoms are breached by the Quebec government’s Decree.
The Prayer Ban raises concerns about religious freedom and the right of students to practice their faith in educational settings. Muslim students could face disciplinary action for expressing their religious beliefs.
That’s why we went to court to challenge the prayer ban with the CCLA. And we’ve had some successes. The Quebec Court of Appeal, for example, has held that this cannot be read as a complete ban on prayer.
However, the ban remains in effect, with inconsistent and bizarre applications – including the police being called on young Muslim students.
NCCM HAS SUCCESSFULLY PUSHED FOR:
- The Quebec Court of Appeal clarified that the prayer ban cannot be read as a complete ban on any form of prayer in school.
- Our stories are to be told in Quebec media and national media and organized with thousands of communities, including diverse stakeholders, to raise their concerns.
NCCM CEO, Stephen Brown at Press Conference denouncing the Quebec government's attempt to ban public prayer
IMPACT STATS
0
The number of Quebecers hurt or impacted negatively by kids praying privately in school.
5.1%
of Quebecers are Muslim. Yet, some political parties in Quebec are largely focused at targeting the Muslim community.
6
Quebecers lost their lives on January 29, 2017 in the Quebec City Mosque Massacre. Yet the families of those who lost loved ones are impacted by this legislation – where the police could be called on their kids if they pray at school.
A SNAPSHOT | OUR WORK
2019 - Decree Issued Banning Prayer Rooms
In April 2023, Quebec’s Minister of Education Bernard Drainville issued a directive banning overt prayers in public schools. The directive was approved by the Quebec government by Decree 707-2023. The directive requires schools to ensure no place is used for overt prayers or other religious practices
2023 - NCCM and the CCLA Launch
Legal Challenge to the Quebec Prayer Ban
Legal Challenge to the Quebec Prayer Ban
We went to court to challenge the prayer ban with the CCLA. And we’ve had some successes. The Quebec Court of Appeal, for example, has held that this cannot be read as a complete ban on prayer.
December 2024 - Premier Legault
Proposed Using the Notwithstanding
Clause to Expand the Ban, Prohibiting
Prayer in Public Spaces such as Parks
Proposed Using the Notwithstanding
Clause to Expand the Ban, Prohibiting
Prayer in Public Spaces such as Parks
Quebec Premier François Legault said that he wants to ban praying in public and that he was considering using the notwithstanding clause to do so. The premier was giving an overview of the past year in Quebec City before lawmakers break until January when he made the announcement. He said he had instructed his team to look into ways to put the ban in place.
February 2025 - Alberta Government
Publicly Stands Against the
Government of Quebec's Use of the
Notwithstanding Clause to Ban Public Prayer
Publicly Stands Against the
Government of Quebec's Use of the
Notwithstanding Clause to Ban Public Prayer
Nationally, provinces are noting the use of the notwithstanding clause and its misuse to infringe on the rights of minority communities in Quebec
CIVIL LIBERTIES STILL AT RISK
Want to make sure kids don’t get the police called on them at school for saying “thank God?”
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