Quebec secularism law Bill 21 heads to Canada’s Supreme Court
Mar 22nd 2026 · Canada
Canada’s highest court will decide whether Quebec can bar public-sector 'authority' figures from wearing religious symbols and whether the province can rely on the notwithstanding clause to protect that ban.
- The Supreme Court will hold a four-day hearing on a constitutional challenge to Bill 21.
- The 2019 law bars certain public sector workers in positions of authority, including judges, police and teachers, from wearing religious symbols.
- Quebec invoked the notwithstanding clause to shield the law and lower courts have upheld it.
- Researchers say Muslim women have been disproportionately affected, with about 73% reporting impacts on job prospects and many considering leaving the province.
- Quebec seeks to expand restrictions to all school staff and daycares and to ban public prayer, while polls show majority provincial support and critics argue the law is discriminatory.