Montreal, October 28, 2026
The Canadian Muslim Forum (FMC-CMF) rejects the Parti Québécois government’s proposed ban on visible faith “symbols” for primary school students. Excluding children from full participation in public education because of their personal convictions is not equality, and restricting their rights is not a legitimate substitute for protecting state neutrality. The proposal raises serious concerns about children’s fundamental rights, freedom of conscience and the equality of women and girls.
The proposal also continues the restrictive policy approach adopted under the previous Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government, risking deeper divisions, reinforcing stereotypes and creating the impression that discrimination against minorities is acceptable.
As reported by Le Journal de Québec on October 28, school administrators have questioned the need for such a prohibition. Kathleen Legault, president of the Association montréalaise des directions d’établissement scolaire, warned that some pupils could disengage from school if forced to remove their religious symbols. Francis Côté, president of the Fédération québécoise des directions d’établissement d’enseignement, expressed concern about the impact on relationships between schools and families.
Protecting women and girls means safeguarding their dignity, choices and equal access to education, not imposing restrictions that could force them to choose between their personal convictions and their education. Any policy restricting fundamental freedoms must be justified, proportionate and consistent with the Canadian and Quebec Charters of Human Rights.
The FMC-CMF calls on the Quebec government to reconsider the proposed ban, consult affected communities and focus on the education system’s urgent needs, including staff retention, school infrastructure, violence prevention and student achievement.
Consistent with its mission to promote individual rights and freedoms and help victims of human rights violations access legal remedies, the FMC-CMF advocates an approach grounded in equality, dignity and justice. Quebec can uphold state neutrality while respecting the rights of every child. No student should face exclusion or unequal treatment because of their identity or personal convictions.
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