Canada’s Supreme Court to Debate Quebec’s Secularism Law Ahead of Elections
Canada’s highest court is gearing up to tackle the contentious issue surrounding Quebec’s secularism law, also known as Bill 21, next spring. The law, which prohibits certain public-sector employees in authority positions, such as teachers, from displaying religious symbols, has sparked heated debates across the nation.
Bill 21 was hurriedly passed by the Legault government with a gag order in place, leading to various legal challenges from entities like the English Montreal School Board, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, and the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement.
Notably, the federal government and several provinces are poised to step in, particularly to address Quebec’s use of the notwithstanding clause to shield the law from legal scrutiny.
Scheduled for March 23 to 27, 2026, the Supreme Court of Canada’s upcoming hearings on this matter will no doubt reignite discussions on the balance between religious freedom and state neutrality in the public sector.
