The impact of Quebec’s secular law

As Quebec’s secularism law, Bill 21, faces a challenge at the Supreme Court of Canada, some women in Quebec say they’ve paid the highest price. The law bans certain public workers from wearing religious symbols, but includes a “grandfather clause,” meaning people already in their roles can keep their jobs, as long as they don’t change positions.

For Montreal public pupil support worker Lisa Robicheau, who wears a hijab, that creates uncertainty, she can stay in her current job, but risks losing it if she seeks a promotion or new role. Supporters of the law argue it protects secularism in public life, while critics say it can limit careers and disproportionately affects Muslim women.

Read more about the fight over Bill 21 here.

Video by Eloise Alanna and Nadine Yousif