Secularism Push Reaches Private Schools: Quebec Ties Funding to Admissions Changes

The province introduces sweeping new measures to tighten secularism laws just months before the high court reviews Bill 21.

Quebec has introduced new secularism laws that prohibit prayer in public institutions and restrict religious food options. The bill bans prayer rooms at public universities and CEGEPs, outlaws public street prayers, and prevents public daycares from serving exclusively halal or kosher menus. It also gives subsidized private religious schools three years to end religious student selection or risk losing funding. These measures come just ahead of the Supreme Court of Canada’s hearing on Bill 21, which begins March 23, 2026. The provincial government says the laws uphold state neutrality. Civil liberties groups warn they cross into active repression of religious practice. The Court’s ruling is expected later this year.