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Secularism Media Scan

This webpage offers a database of English-language news stories about secularism, beginning in January 2023. Users can search by date, country of origin, or topic. Top stories are featured at the top of the page.

03 February 2026

Quebec minister Drainville is consultating on the province's new secularism bill 9 at the National Assembly. The new secularism bill strengthens secularism in the education system and public services. 

By CBC News

Feb 2026 EN Key Article 1 copy.png
All News
Title
Date
Journal
Summary
Fréchette and Drainville say they won't water down Quebec's secularism laws
28/02/2026
Montreal Gazette
This article examines how CAQ candidates plan to strengthen secularism laws in Quebec.
Dozens of Montreal school staff already fired or resigned over expanded religious symbols ban
27/02/2026
CBC News
This article describes how Bill 94 has resulted in dozens of Montreal school staff being fired over the expansion of the religious symbols ban.
Quebec school volunteers speak out against secularism law
26/02/2026
City News
This article examines how Quebec school volunteers are describing their challenges with Bill 21 and Bill 9.
Parisian Jewish family ordered to remove mezuzah from apartment door by building management
26/02/2026
The Jerusalem Post
This article describes how a Parisian Jewish family was ordered to remove the mezuzah from their apartment door since it contravenes the French secular law.
Pope Leo to visit Algeria, a first in papal history, on packed Africa tour
25/02/2026
France 24
This article examines how Pope Leo visits Algeria in light of the growing influence of secularism.
Pope lines up trips to Central Africa, Algeria, Spain, Monaco
25/02/2026
Al-Monitor
This article explains how Pope Leo XIV plans to visit African nations influencing interfaith and secularism dialogues.
Surrey secondary school embraces Ramadan
24/02/2026
Cloverdale Reporter
This article examines how Muslim students and staff across the Surrey school district are honouring the religious observation of Ramadan.
Surrey secondary school embraces Ramadan Read more at: https://surreynowleader.com/2026/02/24/surrey-secondary-school-embraces-ramadan/
24/02/2026
Surrey Now Leader
This article explains how Muslim Canadian students in the Surrey school district will be provided with religious accommodations for the religious observance of Ramadan.
Why the Supreme Court challenge of Quebec's secularism law matters to the whole country
23/02/2026
CBC News
This article examines the upcoming Supreme Court challenge of Quebec's secularism law and its impact on public schools.
Quebec government sued after it cancelled Christian event over anti-abortion concerns
23/02/2026
Global News
This article explains how the Quebec government is being sued after cancelling a Christian event. Quebec government cabinet minister confirms that the right to the freedom of religion and non-discrimination applies to individuals and not legal entites.
Unilateral Ramadan Announcement Undermines France’s Muslims Unity
22/02/2026
Morocco World News
This article examines the annoucement for the religious observation of Ramadan by Paris' Grand Mosque.
As Iranian Canadians mark 40 days of mourning, fate of some loved ones still unknown
21/02/2026
CBC News
This article explains how Iranian Canadians describe the impact of secularism and condemning Iran's brutal repression of the Iranian people.
Ramadan, Lent overlap a 'great opportunity' for better understanding, says priest
21/02/2026
CBC News
This article describes the coinciding religious observances of Lent and Ramadan in Canada. Priest Dowdeswell describes this to be an opportunity for unity and understanding.
France's push to 'Francify' Islam amid looming debates on new handbook
20/02/2026
Turkiye Today
This article highlights the debate over the Grand Mosque of Paris guidebook on navigating religion within France's secular society.
Quebec’s bid to limit public prayer felt in far-flung parts of the province
20/02/2026
The Globe and Mail
This article examines the debate over limiting public prayer in the name of secularism.
Morocco ranks 9th in Africa for citizens identifying as non-religious
19/02/2026
MSN
This article represents the growing influence of secularism in Morocco.
From the river to the sea' could be punishable under new French law, says MP Yadan
19/02/2026
Jerusalem Post
This article highlights how MP Caroline Yadan's Bill 575 will work to combat renewed forms of antisemitism in France.
B'nai Brith asks Quebec for "concessions" on secularism
18/02/2026
The Suburban
This article examines how B'nai Brith Canada is challenging certain aspects of Quebec's Bill 9.
Belgium accuses U.S. ambassador of disinformation for claims of antisemitism over circumcision case
17/02/2026
CBC News
This article highlights the tensions in Belgium over Jewish religious traditions by a mohel.
Algerian National Day of the Chahid: Belmehdi Calls to Draw Inspiration from the Sacrifices of the Chouhada and Realize the Value of Unity
17/02/2026
Algerian Radio
This article highlights the influence of religion in Algerian National Day of Chahid across public schools.
Jewish leaders support limits on ‘nuisance’ protests, others voice concerns
16/02/2026
The Free Press
This article highlights how Jewish leaders are supporting the proposed bylaw that would ban 'nuisance' protests in order to protect the Jewish community and religious freedom.
Peace and stability in the country: Serigne Maodo Sy Dabbakh's message to the Senegalese
16/02/2026
Seneweb
This article examines the influence of religion on the stability of Senegal.
Belgium: Ghent to Light Up Its Streets for Ramadan for First Time
15/02/2026
Shia Waves
This article examines how the city of Ghent is lighting up their streets for the religious holiday of Ramadan.
Pew report ranks Morocco among world’s least religiously diverse countries
14/02/2026
MSN
This article represents how Morocco has ranked as one of the least religiously diverse countries in the world.
Religious leaders criticize Quebec’s secularism push — and their role in it
13/02/2026
Canadian Affairs
This article examines the criticism over Quebec's latest secularism bill which limits public prayers.
France publishes guide to integrating Islam with the values of the Republic
13/02/2026
Atalayar
This article examines how the Grand Mosque has published a book offering insight into practicing religion and its coexistence with France's secular values.
Key elements for the Jewish community are missing from Quebec’s new Constitution law: CIJA
12/02/2026
The Canadian Jewish News
This article discusses the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs' stance that Bill 1 does not adequately protect the Jewish community's right to security in Quebec.
Bill 94 Put Their Teaching Degrees on Hold
11/02/2026
The Rover
This article examines how two Muslim women who wear the Islamic headscarf are facing challenges in light of Bill 94, which prohibits them from wearing religious signs as staff in public schools.
Loss of government funding, secularism putting many Quebec churches ‘on the brink’
11/02/2026
Global News
This article examines the government of Quebec's plan to expand secularism and limit public prayers.
EMSB chair, Jolin-Barrette spar over French language and whether Quebec is a nation
10/02/2026
Postmedia Breaking News
This article examines how ESMB chair, Jolin-Barette, argues that the proposed Quebec constitution undermines the education system.
CAQ abuse of notwithstanding clause concerning: Quebec Bar Association
09/02/2026
Montreal City News
This article highlights the opposition against the CAQ use of the notwithstanding clause which according to some are violating certain fundamental rights from judicial review.
Justice minister, EMSB chair go toe-to-toe on Quebec's proposed constitution
09/02/2026
CBC News
This article examines the challenges experienced by Justice minister Simon Jolin-Barrete tabling the proposed constitution seeking to defend Quebec's use of the notwithstanding clause.
Islam Based on Peaceful Coexistence Values: Lebanese Mufti
08/02/2026
ABNA 24
This article examines how Lebanese Mufti encourages the peaceful coexistence of religious values in the region of Lebanon.
A language course is reviving Moroccan Jewish culture and bridging Middle East divide
07/02/2026
CBC News
This article examines how the St. Joachim church has been rebuilt to erect the heitage site.
A language course is reviving Moroccan Jewish culture and bridging Middle East divide
07/02/2026
The Daily Sun
This article highlights the recent revival of Moroccan Jewish culture through language courses.
Notre Dame Cathedral spire to be rebuilt as replica of pre-fire design
07/02/2026
EWTN News
This article examines the controversy over rebuilding the Notre Dame Cathedral spire in light of secularism.
MP hosts freedom of religion town hall
06/02/2026
Langley Advance Times
This article highlights how Conservative MPs hosted town halls discussing the impact on freedom of religion and expression over Bill 9.
Morocco to Send 320 Religious Scholars Abroad for Ramadan 2026
05/02/2026
Morocco World News
This article examines how Morocco will promote religious constants to advance religious influence in their annual Ramadan mission.
Daycares slam Quebec's new secularism bill, say it will have direct impact on services
05/02/2026
CBC News
This article examines how groups representing publicly funded daycares are contesting the new expanded secular law as a hinderance to their daycare network. The ban on serving kosher or halal food would significantly impact their services.
Canada's axed Islamophobia envoy says Muslims' need for support from federal government 'hasn't gone away'
05/02/2026
Toronto Star
Amira Elghawaby, Canada's special adviser on Islamophobia, addresses the pressing challenges Canadian Muslims and religious minorities encounter with the introduction of new secular bills.
Ndiassane: The Caliph General urges Senegalese people to prioritize what unites rather than what divides the country
05/02/2026
Seneweb
This article highlights how Sheikh Bou emphasizes the importance of unity and religion to strengthen communities.
Quebec's latest secularism bill is not 'against certain religions'
04/02/2026
Montreal Gazette
This article describes how the Minister of secularism, Jean-François Roberge described Bill 9 as an attempt to strengthen secularism and a movement towards religious neutrality.
Funeral processions will still get green light under secularism bill, Roberge insists
04/02/2026
Montreal Gazette
This article highlights how Quebec's new secularism bill 9 will continue to allow church members to collect donations for Christmas basket in public places.
Despite pushback, Quebec minister 'confident' government will adopt new secularism bill
03/02/2026
CBC News
Quebec minister Drainville is consultating on the province's new secularism bill 9 at the National Assembly. The new secularism bill strengthens secularism in the education system and public services.
Workshops to 'love each other for the long haul': When the Church comes to the aid of couples
03/02/2026
Le Monde
This article examines the influence of Parishes and Catholic organizations in France.
From southern India to Canada’s far north: New archbishop serves Indigenous Catholics
02/02/2026
Toronto Star
This article highlights the influence of Catholicism in Ontario and a new archbishop serving Indigenous Catholics.
Algeria's fragile Catholic community could play host to Pope Leo XIV in historic first visit
02/02/2026
NC Reporter
This article examines the challenges with Algeria's Catholic community since the the Algerian government approved an ordinance limiting places of worship for non-Muslims.
Drainville officially enters race to lead CAQ
01/02/2026
Global News
This article describes how Bernard Drainville plans to succeed François Legault as leader of the governing Coalition Avenir Québec and promises to bring a nationalist voice focused on secularism.
Dutch burqa ban prompts concern for religion in the public square
31/01/2026
EWTN News
This article highlights the recent Belgium government's decision to ban the burqa in public spaces.
Lebanon Displacement Camp
30/01/2026
HJ News
This article examines the religious challenges faced by Lebanese and Syrian Shiite Muslims in Lebanon.
Padre Guilherme The DJ priest: Who’s making people talk
30/01/2026
Herald Malaysia
This article examines how Padre Guilherme and the controversy of using religious Christian symbols in his music and raves.
Montreal vigil marks Quebec City mosque attack anniversary as Islamophobia persists
29/01/2026
St Albert Gazette
This article examines the Montreal vigil and the call to end Islamophobia in Quebec.
9 years after mosque attack, paralyzed survivor says Quebec secularism laws hinder progress
29/01/2026
CBC News
This article highlights how survivors of the Quebec mosque attack have expressed their sentiments over Quebec new secular laws.
Quebec mosque attack anniversary renews call to end anti-Muslim hate
28/01/2026
AlJazeera
This article examines how the Quebec mosque attack anniversary renews call from Muslim leaders to end anti-Muslim hate.
We've been incredibly inclusive,' Drainville says of CAQ government
28/01/2026
Montreal Gazette
Bernard Drainville, the leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec, is focused on engaging English-speaking Quebecers who have expressed dissatisfaction with recent changes aimed at strengthening secularism in the education sector. Drainville maintains that Quebec will continue to foster an inclusive environment, even amid ongoing criticism of the province's nationalist stance and its reinforcement of secular principles.
Quebec can't be 'on pause' during CAQ leadership race, Legault tells caucus
27/01/2026
Montreal Gazette
This article highlights how Quebec Premier Legault announced his early leave and promises that candidates will continue the secular advancements.
Appeal trial opens for four convicted over murder of teacher Samuel Paty
26/01/2026
RFI
This article examines how the appeal trial opens over the murder of teacher Samuel Paty. The appeal highlights the ongoing challenges with teachers facing challenges in promoting secularism.
Appeal trial over 2020 teacher's beheading opens in France
26/01/2026
France 24
This article examines the debate over the appeal trial for the convicted individuals in the Samuel Paty case.
The race for the CAQ's next leader is officially on as Economy Minister Christine Fréchette launches campaign
25/01/2026
CBC News
This article highlights the race for CAQ's next leader and their secular initiatives.
French lawmakers back EU terror listing for Muslim Brotherhood despite heated debate
25/01/2026
The Jerusalem Post
This article examines how France's National Assembly has adopted the resolution to place the Muslim Brotherhood movements on a list of terrorist organizations.
Christian party in Lebanon says alliance with Hezbollah over: What to know
24/01/2026
Al-Monitor
This article examines Christian party in Lebanon and its expired alliance with Hezbollah.
Christine Fréchette, Bernard Drainville in race to become CAQ leader, Quebec premier
23/01/2026
Halifax City News
This article examines how Christine Fréchette joins Drainville in the race to lead CAQ and promises secular advancements.
Lethal neutrality: Switzerland as a reference
22/01/2026
The Times of Israel
This article highlights how Switzerland secularism and religious neutrality can influence morality and refuge.
Marine Le Pen insists party acted in 'good faith' at appeal trial
21/01/2026
Le Monde
This article examines how French far-right leader claimed that her political party and its members did not have ant involvement in the recent scandal.
Legault’s legacy leaves many religious, linguistic minorities feeling less welcome in Quebec
21/01/2026
The Globe and Mail
This article examines how many religious minority groups are feeling less welcome in Quebec after the passing of various secular bills.
Morocco, architect of peace
20/01/2026
The Arab Weekly
This article highlights how Morocco becomes a central actor in advancing its religion national doctrine.
Legault leaves behind major bills still facing constitutional challenges
19/01/2026
CTV News
Quebec Premier François Legault announced his resignation after dedicating his leadership to the province. His departure highlights recent efforts to strengthen secularism with Bill 9, An Act respecting the reinforcement of laicity in Québec, in light of ongoing opposition and constitutional challenges to the province's secular laws.
Rights Groups in France Raise Concerns Over Increased Monitoring of Muslim Communities
18/01/2026
Shia Waves
This article examines rights groups and their influence in France.
Religion as geopolitics: how Morocco is shaping security from Africa to Europe
17/01/2026
The Insight International
This article examines how Morocco is using religion in order to shape its security and diplomatic tools.
Benedictine nuns of Montmartre spent 40 years 'under duress,' report finds
16/01/2026
Le Monde
This article examines how Benedictine nuns of Montmarte faced significant duress, humilitation and bullying. The atmosphere of suspicion was reinforced after the removal of the statue of Saint Martin in Tours, France.
The DJ Priest in Lebanon: “The Enlightenment Controversy”
16/01/2026
Daraj
This article highlights the debate overlooking the priest in Lebanon and his involvement in cultural secularization.
French mother superior bullied nuns in Montmartre
15/01/2026
The Local
This article examines the recent allegations of a mother superior's bullying of nuns in her care in Montmartre.
French parliamentary committee blocks bill banning headscarves for minors
15/01/2026
Anadolu Ajansi
A French parliamentary committee has rejected a bill proposed by the conservative Republican Party that aimed to ban minors from wearing headscarves in public. The debate on the bill took place in the National Assembly on January 22. Supporters of the bill argue that it highlights issues of gender inequality, with some advocating for a partial ban that would specifically apply to girls under the age of 15.
Quebec premier François Legault resigns from post in surprise move
14/01/2026
The Guardian
This article examines the impact of Quebec premier François Legault resignation.
French Parliament to Discuss a Draft Prohibiting the Wearing of Hijab for Minors in Public Spaces
14/01/2026
Echorouk
This article examines how the French Parliament is planning to implement the prohibition of wearing the hijab for minors in public spaces.
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