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Resources for students regarding Bill 21

Frequently Asked Questions

"An Act respecting the laicity of the State", or Bill 21 as it is commonly known, was passed into law on June 16, 2019. In a nutshell, the law prohibits some public servants (e.g. school teachers, police officers) from wearing religious symbols on the job. Although a lot of media and literature responding to the legislature has been circulating, we believe that students should be reminded of the opportunity to study the law themselves and form their own opinions as members of our academically free institution. The goal of this FAQ is to render more transparent the effects of the law on student and university life. While legal challenges are expected to continue, the law remains essentially in effect at present (2024). 

Related: A survey was conducted recently to assess the impact of Law 21 on career choice among students in Education and Law in Québec. This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Board of ۲ݮƵ University. Read the online.

What counts as a religious symbol for the purposes of this law?

Religious symbols are defined in the law as follows: “A religious symbol, within the meaning of this section, is any object, including clothing, a symbol, jewelry, an adornment, an accessory or headwear, that (1) is worn in connection with a religious conviction or belief; or (2) is reasonably considered as referring to a religious affiliation.”

Can I still wear a religious symbol on campus?

Yes. The provincial law banning religious symbols for certain public servants does not apply to the general population or to students.

If I wear a religious symbol, can I still be employed by ۲ݮƵ (e.g. as a TA, Reasearch Assistant, etc.)?

Yes. Although elementary and secondary school teachers employed in the public sector are prohibited from wearing religious symbols, this ban does not apply to college and university teachers or to any other employee of ۲ݮƵ University in the exercise of their functions.

Can I still pray, worship, or otherwise practice my faith on campus?

Yes. One option is MORSL’s drop-in centre, which houses a small non-denominational prayer and meditation room for silent reflection. Additionally, MORSL’s website offers a listing of faith-based student clubs/groups on campus, a directory of places of worship in Montreal, and a list of community faith volunteers who are available to our students. Although ۲ݮƵ University is a secular institution, a number of community organizations adjacent to campus offer space for worship and religious practice, such as the , the Jack Reitman  and the .

What should I do if I wear a religious symbol and my academic program leads to employment in the public service (e.g. education, law)?

As long as the law remains in effect, certain public sector employment opportunities will continue to be impacted in Quebec. Several legal challenges (by the ,, and by a school board, among others) were launched in the days and months following its adoption, but at present (2024) the law remains in effect. Make sure you carefully review the section of the law that lists all persons subject to the prohibition on wearing religious symbols in the exercise of their job functions (Schedule II). Even when exploring jobs in the private sector (e.g. private schools, private law firms), take note that there may be instances when the prohibition may still apply to you, such as if you are appearing before a magistrate in a case where a government body has contracted your legal services. If your employment prospects will be impacted by this law, speak to Career Planning Services and/or your academic advisor to discuss your options.

How will this law affect the internships/stages/work placements that are part of my program?

During your internship, you retain your status as a university student, not as an employee. However, the rules of your placement environment may not allow you to wear religious symbols, depending on the role you will have during your placement.

How can I learn more about this law?

Read the , in English.

What is ۲ݮƵ University's stance on this law?

Read the statement issued on June 18, 2019 by Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic), Christopher Manfredi, regarding Laicity law (Bill 21):on the June 16, 2019 Laicity law (Bill 21):

[Text of message]
"La version française suit.

Dear members of the ۲ݮƵ community,

On June 16, 2019, Quebec’s National Assembly passed Bill 21, an act respecting the laicity of the State, into law.

Inclusion is a fundamental value of the ۲ݮƵ community and the University reiterates its commitment to embrace and welcome diversity and inclusion.

As a university in the Province of Quebec, ۲ݮƵ supports the broadest possible access to higher education and believes that the diversity of our community contributes to the richness of daily life, not only of our university but also of our city and province. While the law will not change our policies and practices, we are concerned that it will affect and unnecessarily restrict some of our students’ future employment opportunities.

With best regards,
Professor Christopher Manfredi
Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic)

- - - - - - 

Chers membres de la communauté mcgilloise,

Le 16 juin 2019, l’Assemblée nationale du Québec a adopté le projet de loi 21 : Loi sur la laïcité de l’État.

L’inclusion est une valeur fondamentale de la communauté mcgilloise et l’Université réitère son engagement en matière d’inclusion et de respect de la diversité.

En tant qu’université québécoise, ۲ݮƵ encourage sans réserve l’accès à l’enseignement supérieur et croit que la diversité de sa communauté contribue à la richesse de la vie, et ce, non seulement sur ses campus, mais également au sein de la ville et de la province. Bien que la Loi n’entraînera pas de changement à l’égard de nos politiques et de nos pratiques, nous craignons néanmoins qu’elle restreigne inutilement les occasions professionnelles pour certains de nos étudiants.

Cordialement,
Professeur Christopher Manfredi, vice-principal exécutif et vice-principal aux études"

Where can I find support?

Please refer to our list of support resources, below.


Support Resources

From our own contacts and from resources provided by student associations, the following is a list of on- and off-campus resources for those directly or indirectly affected by Bill 21.

Do you know of a resource we haven't listed? morsl [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Resource%20to%20support%20students%20affected%20by%20Bill%2021) (Email us) to share it with our community!

On-Campus Support Contact
۲ݮƵ Office Of Religious and Spiritual Life (MORSL) 3610 McTavish Street (3rd Floor), Montréal, QC.  morsl [at] mcgill.ca.  䲹(514)-398-4104.
Office of the Dean of Students 3600 McTavish, Montréal, QC.  deanofstudents [at] mcgill.ca.  䲹(514) 398-4990.
Office for Mediation and Reporting sinead.hunt [at] mcgill.ca.  䲹(514) 398-6419.
(MSA) president [at] msamcgill.com.
See Facebook page.
pub.licm [at] mail.mcgill.ca.  䲹(514) 398-6792.
۲ݮƵ Affiliates Contact
3429 Peel, Montreal, QC. info [at] chabadmcgill.com.  䲹(514) 845-4443.
3460 Stanley, Montréal, QC H3A 1R8.
3484 Peel, Montreal, QC H3A 3T6.  newmancentre [at] mail.mcgill.ca. 䲹(514) 398-4106.
Off-Campus Support Contact
Canadian Civil Liberties Association: a non-profit dedicated to defending civil liberties and constitutional rights through advocacy in- and out-of-court. Along with the National council for Canadian Muslims, they are leading the court challenge against Bill 21. mail [at] ccla.org.  䲹416-363-0321.
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs: Advocacy wing of the Jewish Federations of Canada, raising awareness about issues that impact the Jewish community and fighting discrimination against Jewish peoples. info [at] cija.ca.  䲹416-638-1991.
Coalition Inclusion Quebec: Network of community groups opposed to Bill 21. Coalitioninclusionquebec [at] gmail.com.
430 St. Roch, Montréal, QC H3N 1K2.
(514) 270-6600.
2520 Laval Road, Ville St. Laurent, QC H4L 3A1.  Email info [at] icqmontreal.com. 䲹(514) 331-1770.
: Organization formed to support femme-identifying people affected by the “reasonable accommodation” debate. Offers advocacy, psychological, and accompaniment services for those affected by discrimination. 514-447-5141.
: Canada-wide organization facilitating civic engagement for Muslim people, offering advocacy and support, and provides training to Canadian Muslim communities on civil liberties and human rights 866-524-0004.
Quebec Inclusif: Publication group advocating for inclusivity in Quebec policy 1010 Sherbrooke Ouest.  quebecinclusif [at] gmail.com.
: Coalition that has taken a stance against Bill 21 in support of educators targeted by the bill, helping to run the Non à la loi 21 campaign 3285 Cavendish Blvd.  nonalaloi21 [at] gmail.com. 䲹514-481-5619.
info [at] ventovertea.com
: Provides a united voice for the Sikh community worldwide, offering legal counsel and advocacy See website.
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