Quebec takes bold action as Muslim activists blur line between public prayer and protest

Quebec plans legislation banning street prayer to defend civic neutrality, arguing public spaces should remain secular and free from religious demonstrations.

What is at stake here is more than legal balance. It is the cultural coherence of Quebec’s civic life — and the civic life of communities from New York City to London.  Mathew Giagnorio is a writer and researcher based in Niagara Falls, Canada. He is the creator and host of the podcast, "Modes of Inquiry," and a member of the CLARITy Coalition, a network of Muslims, ex-Muslims and allies investigating the threat of Islamist interests and supporting secular interpretations of the faith. He is managing editor of the CLARITy Coalition’s Substack newsletter, He can be reached at mathew.giagnorio@gmail.com.

Legault was blunt: "When you want to pray, you go in a church or a mosque— not in a public place." Roberge added that such practices generate unease, erode neutrality and risk public order.