Opinion: Quebec's selective secularism reveals contradictions

Montreal Gazette

22-05-2025

Op Eds
For decades, a widespread narrative has suggested that Quebec has distanced itself, even divorced itself, from religion. This belief stems largely from the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, when the provincial government under Premier Jean Lesage moved to limit the influence of the Catholic Church, particularly in education and health care. In doing so, it ushered in an era of civil governance.
But has Quebec truly cut ties with religion, or has it simply redefined the relationship?
Despite this political shift, Quebec remains deeply infused with religious heritage, especially Catholicism. The province's flag, adopted in 1948, features a white cross and four fleur-de-lis , symbols tied to Christian and Marian iconography. Even Quebec's national holiday, St-Jean-Baptiste Day, retains its religious name, reflecting its origins in Catholic tradition.
More than 2,000 churches continue to dot the landscape in Quebec. Many towns, streets and neighbourhoods are named after saints. Numerous schools and educational institutions still carry religious names and symbols, and most Quebecers continue to celebrate holidays such as Christmas, Easter and even Valentine's Day, all rooted in Christian traditions.
For decades, religious symbols like crucifixes adorned public spaces including schools, hospitals, public libraries and even the National Assembly. While some of these have been removed under newer secular laws like Bill 21, many remain. In fact, their continued presence is often justified as part of Quebec's 'cultural heritage' rather than its religious life, a subtle but telling distinction.
The recent death of Pope Francis further demonstrated religion's enduring role in Quebec society. French-language media outlets dedicated extensive coverage, broadcasting the funeral live and airing public reactions. Many Quebecers expressed deep sorrow and regard for the Pope as a vital spiritual figure. Churches across the province held memorial services and special prayers, a testament to the Pope's symbolic weight in Quebec's collective consciousness.
The Quiet Revolution was not an outright rejection of Christianity or religious belief. Rather, it was a struggle over social and cultural authority. At the time, the Catholic Church wielded extensive power in Quebec society. The revolution marked a shift from clerical control to a more civic model, a redistribution of power from clergy to laypeople. It did not result in bans on religious practice; instead, religious presence remained strong in daily life, even as its official role diminished.
Today, secularism is often presented as a pillar of Quebec identity. French sociologist Jean Baubérot identifies three core principles of secularism: separation of religion and state; freedom of belief; and equal treatment of all religions. Yet, in practice, secularism for some politicians in Quebec is not always neutral. Catholic symbols are often preserved as 'cultural artifacts,' while visible expressions of segments of Quebec society, such as the hijab, turban or kippah, are restricted in the name of neutrality.
This inconsistency highlights the inherent contradictions in the selective enforcement of 'secularism,' reflecting deeper sociopolitical anxieties surrounding identity, integration and cultural diversity.
Religious commitment, rituals and manifestation vary across communities and individuals. But the evidence is clear: Quebec has not cut itself off from religion. Rather, it has reframed religion, especially Catholicism, as part of its cultural DNA. The symbols, traditions and rituals remain, even if their roles have shifted.
Exclusionary political agendas have, at various points, sought to reshape Quebec's identity, but they stand at odds with the province's deeper values. Quebec's true strength lies in its enduring commitment to fairness, mutual respect, openness and the inclusion of all its communities.
With the next provincial election on the horizon, the opportunity arises to reframe the conversation around unity and cohesion. It is time for all segments and communities of Quebec society to stand together and face the province's most pressing challenges, be they political, social, economic, educational or in the health system.
Only through collaboration and a shared vision can Quebec move forward and address the profound issues that threaten the well-being of all Quebecers.