RFI Senior Fellow Paul Marshall, writing recently for ReligionUnplugged, addressed the latest development in Canada’s aggressive secularization. Providing some historical context, Marshall observes:

Until the 1960s, Quebec was the most religious part of North America. Now it is home to an aggressive secularist government that on Nov. 27 introduced a proposed law, Bill 9, that would outlaw public prayer.

When the British defeated the French in 1759 to take control of what is now Canada, they left largely French-speaking Quebec to manage its internal affairs. This meant that most of the province’s institutions continued to be run by the Catholic Church.

Marshall continues:

This ascendency of religion changed with stunning speed in the 1960’s in what has become known as the “Quiet Revolution.” Rapid secularization and changing legislation eroded the Catholic Church’s pervasive influence over public life, including its control of education and social services. The Catholic and Protestant school systems were reshaped as French and English schools.

Despite these changes, many Quebec governments have not been satisfied merely with virtual disestablishment but have also moved aggressively to completely remove religious expression from public space.

Read the full article: “Quebec’s Bill 9 Pushes Secularism Further, Moves To Outlaw Public Prayer.“