Overview

• Quebec Premier François Legault announced plans to legislate against public prayer in parks and streets, citing concerns about secularism and Quebec's values.
• The proposed measures follow reports of Muslim students praying in schools and alleged Islamist practices by some teachers, including limiting girls' participation in sports.
• Education Minister Bernard Drainville confirmed that 17 schools are under investigation for potential violations of Quebec's secularism law, with a detailed report expected in January.
• The government is considering invoking the notwithstanding clause to bypass constitutional challenges to any new legislation restricting public prayer.
• The Canadian Muslim Forum criticized Legault's comments, arguing they unfairly target Quebec's Muslim community and contribute to a climate of discrimination.