A recent survey shows Quebecers are the strongest in Canada when it comes to opposing public prayer. The poll revealed that 43% of people in Quebec believe organized prayer in public spaces should never be allowed. This comes as the provincial government works on new laws aimed at reinforcing secularism.
The province’s Secularism Minister, Jean-François Roberge, announced that he plans to table legislation this fall that would make organized prayer in public places illegal. The move follows months of public debate and concern over prayer gatherings, including Muslim prayers held during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Montreal.
Quebec has long been known for its push toward secular values, especially since the Quiet Revolution in the 1960s, when the province reduced the influence of the Catholic Church in public life. The new proposal continues this trend, with leaders insisting that public spaces should remain free of religious practices.
The national survey included 1,592 people across Canada between September 5 and 7. The results show clear differences among provinces:
43% of Quebecers say public prayer should never be allowed.
Only 12% of Quebecers believe it should always be permitted, the lowest support in the country.
Across Canada, 19% of respondents believe prayer should always be allowed, while 26% think it should never be.
The largest share, 45% of Canadians, said prayer should be allowed only in specific cases.
The debate grew sharper after prayers were held in front of Montreal’s historic Notre-Dame Basilica during demonstrations. This event, and others like it, sparked a wave of discussion about where freedom of religion ends and public order begins.
Supporters of the ban argue that public spaces must be neutral to protect equality among all citizens. They say private worship is a personal right, but organized public prayer can create conflict and division. Critics, however, argue that banning prayer may target specific religious groups, especially Muslims, and could be seen as limiting freedom of expression.
While Quebec leads in opposing public prayer, other provinces are more open to it. The poll highlights Canada’s diversity in opinions and how cultural and political histories shape people’s views. In provinces outside Quebec, support for prayer being allowed all the time is higher, showing the contrast in values across the country.
The Quebec National Assembly is expected to debate the proposal this fall. If passed, the law would set new rules for religious practices in public areas, and its impact will be closely watched across Canada.
The discussion over prayer in public spaces is not just about religion—it also touches on culture, identity, freedom, and fairness. Quebec’s strong stance shows how deeply the province values secularism, while the rest of Canada remains divided on where the line should be drawn.
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