Quebec bishops pan Legault’s push to ban public prayer
Quebec’s Catholic bishops are speaking out against Premier François Legault’s proposal to ban public prayer, arguing that it would infringe on people’s constitutional rights. Martin Laliberté, president of the Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishops, expressed his shock at Legault’s suggestion to prohibit prayer in parks and on city streets, stating that such a ban would impact various activities practiced by individuals of diverse faiths.
The controversy arose after Legault mentioned the idea of ending public prayer during a press conference, citing a desire to send a strong message to Islamists. This announcement came in the wake of reports of Muslim prayer and other religious practices being allowed in Quebec’s public schools, prompting the government to consider new legislation to reinforce secularism in educational institutions.
In response to Legault’s proposal, federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller criticized the Premier for seemingly targeting Muslims and emphasized the importance of respecting individuals’ right to religion. He highlighted that Muslims are not the only group engaging in public religious activities in Quebec, pointing to events like the Way of the Cross procession led by the Catholic Archbishop of Montreal on Good Friday.
The debate over banning public prayer has sparked a divide in opinions, with supporters of secularism advocating for restrictions on spontaneous religious events that obstruct public spaces. However, opponents argue that such a ban would discriminate against minority religious groups and violate Canadian and Quebec Charter rights protecting freedom of religion.
Daniel Baril, president of the Mouvement laïque québécois, expressed surprise at Legault’s proposal and emphasized the need for more details before forming a definitive stance. While his group supports planned religious events that adhere to regulations, Baril raised concerns about unsanctioned gatherings that disrupt public spaces.
Amidst the controversy, Bishop Laliberté raised questions about the ambiguity surrounding what constitutes a religious act in public spaces, citing examples of individuals practicing yoga or tai chi with spiritual undertones. He warned against sliding towards infringing on individuals’ fundamental rights under the guise of secularism.
As the debate over banning public prayer continues to unfold, it remains a contentious issue that underscores the delicate balance between religious freedom and secularism in Quebec. The Assembly of Catholic Bishops urges a thoughtful approach that respects individuals’ diverse beliefs while upholding the principles of inclusivity and tolerance in public spaces.
