By Canadian Press

Groups seeking to suspend Quebec secularism law granted leave to appeal

Aug 1, 2019 | 2:25 PM

MONTREAL — Quebec’s highest court has agreed to hear an appeal on behalf of groups seeking to suspend the central parts of the province’s secularism law.

Catherine McKenzie, a lawyer for the applicants, said Quebec Court of Appeal Chief Justice Nicole Duval Hesler did not give a reason for granting leave to appeal in a ruling from the bench today.

Quebec’s secularism law, known as Bill 21, prohibits some public sector workers, including teachers and police officers, from wearing religious symbols at work.

Lawyers representing a national Muslim organization, a civil liberties group and a university student who wears an Islamic head scarf, had asked for an immediate stay of the central components of the law while their full legal challenge is heard.

Superior Court Justice Michel Yergeau ruled on July 18 that the groups had failed to demonstrate the law is creating enough damage to warrant the stay.

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McKenzie says she has asked for an accelerated process and hopes to have the appeal heard as soon as possible.

The Canadian Press