Adaptation of Bill 9 Raises Serious Concerns for the Rights of Quebec Women and Girls

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, April 2, 2026 — The Canadian Muslim Forum says the adoption of Quebec Bill 9 secularism legislation marks another difficult moment for the rights and dignity of Quebecers women and girls .

The FMC-CMF warns that expanding restrictions on faith  freedom of expression in public and educational spaces disproportionately affects women Quebecers whose faith is expressed through religious attire, placing their rights, personal integrity, and economic self-reliance at risk.

“Using a special interpretation of secularism to limit Quebecers’ full citizenship rights risks deepening divisions in our society,” said Samer Majzoub, of the Canadian Muslim Forum.

The FMC-CMF emphasizes that secularism should protect state neutrality and individual freedoms, not exclude citizens from participating fully in public life.

The Canadian Muslim Forum is calling on policymakers to ensure that Quebec’s approach to secularism remains inclusive, respectful of rights, and supportive of the participation of all citizens , including women and girls of faith.

Media Contact:
Canadian Muslim Forum
Montreal, Quebec