Press Release
The CAQ’s Newly Proposed Bill: An Escalating Harm of Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
March 20, 2025 – At a time when Quebec faces mounting economic, social, and healthcare challenges, alongside rising insecurity in many parts of the provinces’ cities, the CAQ government has introduced a new bill aimed at further reinforcing the controversial “secularism law,” known as law 21. This proposed legislation imposes unprecedented restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms, disproportionately affecting Quebec’s women, children, and youth.
Rather than fostering unity in the face of these pressing challenges, the CAQ’s new bill deepens societal divisions. Instead of addressing urgent economic and social concerns, certain political actors continue to push policies that directly contradict Quebec’s long-standing values of openness, equality, and human rights.
Fully aware that this bill like its predecessor, Bill 21 “violates” both the Quebec and Canadian Charters of Rights and Freedoms, the CAQ government has pre-emptively invoked the notwithstanding clause to shield it from legal challenges, further undermining the democratic principles that protect Quebecers’ fundamental freedoms.
The Canadian Muslim Forum strongly condemns the alarming direction taken by the CAQ proposed bill and calls on Quebec’s political and civil society stakeholders to oppose the divisive initiative.
Furthermore, we urge the federal government to take a firm and unequivocal stance against the ongoing campaign targeting Canadian citizens. A campaign that erodes social justice, public freedoms, and the core rights enshrined in Canadian law and values.
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*photo source : CBC