Quebec passes new law restricting collective prayer in public spaces and tightening secularism rules
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Quebec’s National Assembly has passed Bill 9 by a vote of 76 to 28, and the legislation received assent on April 2, 2026. The new law deepens the province’s secularism framework by expanding restrictions on certain religious practices in public space and in institutions linked to the state.
Under the law, public roads and public parks cannot be used for collective religious practice unless a municipality grants exceptional authorization on a case-by-case basis. The text also sets conditions for any such authorization and provides for fines in cases of non compliance.
The law also prohibits religious practice in places under the authority of public institutions or bodies, with specific exceptions. Local reporting says the government views this as ending prayer rooms in CEGEPs and universities, while also expanding certain restrictions involving religious symbols and full-face coverings in some educational settings.
Quebec says the measure is meant to reinforce social cohesion within its model of national integration. Critics argue it further expands earlier secularism limits and raises fresh concerns about freedom of religion and equality rights, especially because parts of the law are shielded from some rights based legal challenges.
