By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Premier François Legault’s Dec. 6 comments about potentially banning public prayer have drawn sharp criticism from members of religious communities in the Eastern Townships, who see the proposal as politically motivated, dismissive of Quebec’s diverse faith traditions, and potentially divisive.
Legault suggested banning public prayer, claiming it was inappropriate in shared spaces. According to a report by Global News, Legault’s remarks came amid concerns over secularism following an incident at a Laval school where a teacher allegedly facilitated prayers during class time. This latest proposal has sparked heated debate, particularly as Quebec’s secularism laws already prohibit public officials from wearing visible religious symbols. Critics argue that such measures disproportionately target minority groups and deepen social divides.
The Rover highlighted the Laval case as part of a larger trend of escalating tensions over religion in public spaces. The premier’s remarks have reignited these concerns, prompting locals to speak out in recent interviews against what they see as an overreach.
Coughlin: “Pandering, not policy”
Reverend Ronald Coughlin of the United Church in Lennoxville denounced Legault’s proposal as shortsighted and politically motivated. “It feels like he’s creating policy on the back of a napkin,” said Coughlin. “This is pandering to nationalism, not thoughtful governance.”
Coughlin fears the long-term impact on community cohesion and Quebec’s reputation for inclusivity. “When disasters happen, people pray in public spaces—for hope, for solidarity. Are we going to ban that, too? This is not a forward-thinking move,” he added.
He also criticized the inconsistency of Quebec’s secularism policies. “People go to St. Joseph’s Oratory, spending hours on their knees praying. Is he going to ban that? The rules seem to target visible practices, especially those by Muslims. Christians often wear crosses under their clothes, which aren’t scrutinized in the same way,” he said.
Coughlin pointed to cenotaph prayers, which the military has adapted to be more inclusive. “This is a good example of how prayer can bring people together without excluding anyone. The government should learn from this approach rather than creating unnecessary fear around prayer in public spaces,” he said.
Notik: “Banning prayer is hypocrisy”
Rabbi Moishe Notik of Chabad of Sherbrooke criticized Legault’s proposal as counterproductive. “Banning prayer in public spaces is exactly the kind of authoritarian move the government claims to oppose,” said Notik. “You’re imposing your view on me, which is no different from what you’re trying to prevent.”
Notik acknowledged that public prayer is less common in Jewish practice but shared how the ban could affect everyday life. “If I’m stuck in traffic and it’s time to pray, I’ll pull over at a rest area and pray for five minutes. Should that be illegal?” he asked.
He also criticized Legault’s perceived fear of Muslims. “It’s obvious this is rooted in a fear of Muslims, but targeting one group harms everyone,” said Notik.
As an alternative, Notik advocated for moments of silence in schools. “The Chabad movement has long promoted this idea—a few minutes of quiet reflection that respects everyone’s beliefs without imposing any. It’s about fostering inclusion, not exclusion,” he said.
Agourram: “A failure of leadership”
Dr. Hafid Agourram, president of the Islamic Cultural Association of Estrie, expressed both shock and disappointment at Legault’s comments. “This shows poor leadership,” said Agourram. “As a premier, you’re representing 8 million people. You can’t speak without thinking of the consequences.”
Agourram questioned the premier’s motives, attributing them to political gain. “It’s about elections, not governance. He’s pandering to nationalist voters,” he said. He also criticized Legault’s understanding of Quebec values. “Who defines these values? Quebec is made up of Christians, Jews, Muslims, and people of all beliefs. Forcing a narrow view only divides us,” he argued.
As a devout Muslim, Agourram explained the critical importance of prayer. “Prayer is non-negotiable for Muslims. It’s like eating or breathing. Denying us a space to pray infringes on our most basic freedoms,” he said. He proposed practical solutions, such as designated prayer spaces in schools or public institutions, similar to those in airports. “This isn’t about imposing religion; it’s about accommodating everyone’s rights,” he said.
Agourram was particularly critical of Legault’s conflation of Islamic extremists with ordinary Muslims. “He doesn’t understand the difference. This ignorance fuels harmful policies,” he said. “Legault needs to take a crash course in culture and religion before making such sweeping decisions.”
A united front
Despite their differences in faith, Coughlin, Notik, and Agourram share a common concern: that banning public prayer would create unnecessary division and alienate religious communities. “This is about control, not community,” said Agourram, who called for Quebec to embrace its diversity rather than suppress it.
All three leaders agreed that the proposed ban would likely face strong opposition in court. “Religious freedom is a cornerstone of Canadian society,” said Notik. “This kind of overreach won’t stand.”
Coughlin echoed this sentiment, urging the government to consider the broader implications of its actions. “When we suppress people’s faith, we lose a vital part of what makes our communities strong,” he said.
Legault’s proposal has reignited debates over the role of religion in Quebec’s public life. For many, it symbolizes a troubling shift toward limiting personal freedoms in the name of secularism. As Rabbi Notik put it, “We don’t need to ban prayer. We need to find ways to respect each other’s differences.”