Resources for students regarding Bill 21

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.”

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

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 McGill University in the exercise of their functions.

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 McGill University is a secular institution, a number of community organizations adjacent to campus offer space for worship and religious practice, such as the Rohr Jewish Student Centre (Chabad), the Jack Reitman Hillel House and the Newman Centre.

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 Canadian Civil Liberties Union, Coalition Inclusion Québec, and by a school board, among others) have been launched in the days and months following its adoption, but at present (2022) 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.

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.

Read the text of law online, in English.

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 McGill 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 McGill community and the University reiterates its commitment to embrace and welcome diversity and inclusion.

As a university in the Province of Quebec, McGill 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)

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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, McGill 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"

Please refer to our list of support resources, below.