Quebec's New Law Threatens Easter Procession

0:00In Montreal, hundreds of folks have set to join Archbishop Christian Lapine for the annual way of the cross, March this Easter weekend. Though walk in prayer, reflection, and silence behind a big crucifix, hitting up historic churches along the route to Martin Jesus' path. But here's the twist. Quebec's new law just made these events way tougher to pull off, moving forward by banning public prayer without special city, approval. The province passed this legislation on Thursday, expanding bans on religious symbols to daycare workers, scrapping prayer rooms in public spots, and blocking collective religious practices on streets or parks, unless a municipal council, greenlights a case by case. Organizes say they've always worked with local officials and followed rules, but now they need explicit permission every time. Catholic leaders like Martin Lolliberte, from the Quebec bishops, are fired up, calling it a move that treats believers like second-class citizens. They point out streets get closed all the time for protests, sports, or festivals without issue, so why single out faith-based marches?

1:05It flips a basic right into something dependent on city goodwill. The events actually booming lately, drawing nearly 1,000 people last year, double what it was pre-COVID. It's all about quiet dignity, with singing, readings, and poems at stops, no big noise. Lolliberte wonders what even counts as public prayer in a mostly silent procession. This law also overrides parts of the charter to protect secularism from challenges, sparking big worries over public faith expression. As these marches hang in the balance, it's clear Quebec's pushing hard on its secular vibe, leaving religious groups to navigate a whole new reality. That wraps Canada News today, brought to you with AI. I'm Corey, with the story.