Prelate objects to proposed Quebec public prayer ban

In an op-ed article in La Presse on September 1, the archbishop reacted to a proposed new bill prohibiting the practice. Minister Jean-François Roberge announced the bill last week in a bid to further strengthen the province’s laws on secularism.

Praying, whether in public or alone, is a right that is not limited to places of worship and is guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Archbishop Lépine wrote.

He noted that anything that would outlaw it “would amount to reducing the freedom of society as a whole”. He also raised questions as to how prayer would be distinguished from a moment of silence or silent meditation. A ban would jeopardise long-time Catholic traditions held in the public spaces, he noted, such as the Way of the Cross and the Palm Sunday march.

“Banning public prayer would compromise their very existence,” the archbishop wrote in his opinion piece.

“Need we remind you that Pope Francis’ visit in 2022, an event of global significance, would not have been possible in a context where public prayer was banned? And yet, this visit took place in an atmosphere of respect and peace.”

The proposed ban on prayer in public came amid tension in Quebec over Muslim prayers taking place as part of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including those held in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, to draw attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“The rise of street prayers is a serious and sensitive issue in Quebec,” Mr Roberge said. “Last December, our government expressed its unease with this growing phenomenon, particularly in Montreal.”

Muslim groups have denounced the proposed public prayer ban, saying they feel targeted once again by the province’s secularism laws.

Archbishop Lépine wrote that Quebec’s moves to make the province more secular should not spell the end of faith in society.

“Confusing the neutrality of the state with the neutralisation of society would be a serious step backward,” he wrote.

“In a democratic society like ours, diversity of beliefs is not something to be feared; it is welcome and contributes to the richness of Quebec, with its strong culture of dialogue and encounter.”

FULL STORY

Archbishop of Montreal: Quebec’s prayer ban an affront to fundamental freedoms (By Joe Lofaro/CTV News)