Quebec plans to ban public prayer as part of push to strengthen secularism

August 28, 2025

RED FM News Desk

The Quebec government has announced plans to introduce legislation this fall that would ban prayer in public spaces, as part of its broader effort to reinforce secularism in the province.

Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge expressed concern about what he called a rising trend of people praying in public, particularly in Montreal. He said the government is uncomfortable with the practice and intends to take action through legislation.

Premier François Legault had previously indicated his intention to restrict public prayer, stating in December that a ban was under consideration.

The move follows a report released earlier this week by an independent committee, which issued 50 recommendations aimed at strengthening secularism. However, the committee did not recommend a full ban on public prayer, instead suggesting that municipalities should decide how to manage it.