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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.

02 December 2025

The United Nations has been asked to investigate the Legault government's proposed Quebec constitution, Bill 1, and the Quebec Constitution Act, 2025. Constitutional lawyers are arguing that it will infringe on the fundamental rights of Quebec citizens. The proposed constitution of the Coalition Avenir Québec has become an emergency issue at the UN.

By Montreal Gazette

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All News
Title
Date
Journal
Summary
Project to vilify Nehru main objective of ruling dispensation Sonia Gandhi
05/12/2025
The Week
This article examines the political tensions in upholding social and religious foundations in India.
Birds of the same feather': Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan likens Jamaat-e-Islami to Hindutva groups
05/12/2025
Deccan Herald
This article examines the influence of Hindutva forces in advancing religion-based nationalism.
Proof' in hand, Rajnath stands by claim on Nehru's Babri plan
04/12/2025
Times of India
This article describes the controversy over the rebuilding of the Babri mosque that has been rebutted by Congress and opposing parties.
Bloc says Liberals 'fear backlash' from removing religious exemptions in hate speech law
04/12/2025
CBC News
This article examines the debate over political consequences and removal of a religious exemption for hate speech under the Criminal Code.
Narayana Guru’s Teachings Still Relevant Today, Says Siddaramaiah
03/12/2025
Deccan Chronicle
This article examines the debate over the religious inequalities across India.
United Nations called on to investigate CAQ's Quebec constitution plan
02/12/2025
Montreal Gazette
The United Nations has been asked to investigate the Legault government's proposed Quebec constitution, Bill 1, and the Quebec Constitution Act, 2025. Constitutional lawyers are arguing that it will infringe on the fundamental rights of Quebec citizens. The proposed constitution of the Coalition Avenir Québec has become an emergency issue at the UN.
Statistics show young Canadians are returning to religion in a search for community and fulfilment
02/12/2025
CBC News
This article explains how Canadians are continuing to turn back to faith in light of the move to secularism.
Conservatives blast removal of religious exemption in hate-speech laws as 'assault' on freedom of speech
01/12/2025
National Post
This article describes how the conservative party is opposing the potential removal of religious exemption in hate speech laws.
Quebec’s new secularism bill faces backlash over religious symbol ban in daycares
30/11/2025
City News Montreal
This article discusses the impact of the new secularism bill on daycare workers across Quebec.
Hindutva is soul of Bharat Hosabale calls for strict enforcement of anti-conversion laws
30/11/2025
Deccan Herald
This article describes the recent anti-conversion laws in India.
Is Modi Redefining India's Constitutional identity through Majoritarian Narratives?
29/11/2025
Indian Herald
This article examines the debate over Prime Minister Modi's majoritarian narratives.
Quebec’s Bill 9:eliminates public prayers, prayer rooms and face coverings
28/11/2025
The Suburban
The Quebec government put forth Bill 9 to ban prayers in public spaces and prayer rooms in public institutions. The restrictions also extend to religious food offerings in these institutions.
Quebec plans to ban prayers in streets and parks; Secularism Law
28/11/2025
The Calgary Herald
This article examines how the Coalition Avenir Québec government has presented a new legislation expanding and reinforcing a prayer ban.
National Council of Canadian Muslims considering legal action for secularism laws
27/11/2025
Montreal Gazette
This article examines how the National Council of Canadian Muslims is considering legal action against Quebec's secular laws including the new reinforcement under Bill 9.
Quebec expands secularism law and limits public prayer
27/11/2025
BBC News
This article examines how Quebec is planning to impose new restrictions on public prayer and on exclusive offering of religion-based menus in all public institutions.
A brief history of secularism under François Legault's government
26/11/2025
CBC News
This article explains how the Legault legislation aimed at limiting religious practices in public spaces.
Will PM hoist flag on a mosque? Rashid Alvi questions Modi on Ram Temple
25/11/2025
Asianet News
This article examines the controversy over Prime Minsiter Modi hoisting a flag over an Indian mosque.
350th martyrdom day: CM Mann, Kejriwal pray for progress of Punjab
25/11/2025
ProKerala
This article examines the debate over sangat prayers made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
New secularism bill to ban prayer in schools, restrict offering of religion-based meals
24/11/2025
CBC News
This article explains how Bill 9 will extend the secular restrictions on prayers in public institutions and restrict offering of religion-based meals.
‘Secularism Is In The Constitution’: Omar Abdullah Slams BJP Over SMVDIME Admission Dispute
24/11/2025
One India
This article examines the controversy over the BJP's objections on secularism being written into the Indian Constitution.
French Circles Are Striving To Mobilize Against The Muslim Community
23/11/2025
Echorouk
This article explains how the French Institute of Public Opinion is advancing secular values to challenge religiosity.
Meenakshi Anoop asks: ‘Is secularism really possible in India?’ KK Shailaja lauds her bold stand
22/11/2025
Mathrubhumi
This article examines the challenges in upholding secular values in India.
Why Quebec’s proposed constitution has legal experts, civil rights groups sounding the alarm
22/11/2025
CBC News
This article examines how Quebec's proposed constitution is being debated by legal experts and civil rights groups.
Saffronization of Indian armed forces raises concerns over secularism and neutrality
21/11/2025
Daily Times
This article examines the concerns over the saffronization of Indian armed forces over secularism and neutrality.
CJI BR Gavai emphasises secularism, collective strength of judiciary ahead of retirement
21/11/2025
National World
This article examines how CJI BR Gavai advances secularism and the collective strength of the judiciary in implementing secular values.
APCC chief calls for renewed commitment to Indira Gandhi’s ideals
20/11/2025
Arunachal News
This article explains how APCC chief, president Bosiram Siram urges Indian citizens to foster secular visions.
Why secular politics in South Asia still clings to family dynasties
19/11/2025
Asian News
This article examines how secular politics in South Asian remain debated in light of identity and belonging.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Arvind Kejriwal join Sangat in Kirtan Darbar at Srinagar Gurudwara
18/11/2025
The Statesman
This article explains how the gathering at the Srinnagar Gurudwara led by CM Bhagwant Mann promotes secularism and religious tolerance.
How India and Bangladesh are reinforcing each other’s extremes
18/11/2025
Asian News
This article examines how Bangladesh is advancing a secular authoritarianism.
Christians alarmed by bomb attacks on Dhaka institutions
17/11/2025
The Tablet
This article examines how the oldest Catholic church, Holy Rosario inTejgaon, continues to face violent protests.
Tehran design event closed after online video triggers hardline backlash
16/11/2025
Iran International
This article examines the event cancellation at Tehran's design week after violation of the compulsory hijab requirement.
Iran’s judiciary says enforcing the compulsory hijab is a top priority
16/11/2025
Iran International
This article examines how Iran's judiciary has reinforced the mandatory headscarf as a top priority in its enforcement agenda.
Mexico Muslim women's legal fight to keep hijab in passport photos
16/11/2025
ABNA News
This article examines the legal challenge launched by Mexico Muslim women to retain her hijab in her passport photos.
BNP to reinstate ‘faith in Allah’ in constitution if returns to power: Salahuddin
15/11/2025
UNB
This article examines how the BNP political party plans to reinstate Islam into the Bangladeshi Constitution to uphold fundamental principles of state policy.
Vox Calls for Ban on Burka and Niqab in Valencia’s Public Spaces
15/11/2025
Russpain
This article examines the calls to ban the burqa and the niqab in Spain to address security concerns.
Iran Eases Social Restrictions While Deepening Crackdown on Dissent
14/11/2025
Sri Lanka Guardian
This article explains the challenges in achieving social freedom in Iran with the recent loosening of social restrictions including the mandatory hijab requirement.
Quiet threat to Canadian unity is emerging; Bill 21 is not just a Quebec law - it's a test for Canada
14/11/2025
The Vancouver Sun
This article explains how Bill 21 is perceived as a challenge to public policy and unity across Canadian provinces.
Kolkata ISI students take out rallies put up posters on inclusiveness post hateful graffiti row
14/11/2025
The Week
This article examine the recent rallies to denounce hateful messages targetting religious practices at the Indian Statistical Institute.
Iran's dual reality: As veil restrictions ease, political crackdown deepens
13/11/2025
Reuters
This article explains the recent removal on the mandatory hijab requirement in Iran.
Secularism, forgotten key to Nigeria’s security
12/11/2025
The Nation Newspaper
This article describes how secularism was considered a key mechanism to protect Nigerian society.
Malaysian religious affairs minister rejects false claims about closure of religious schools in two states
11/11/2025
AFP
This article explores how Malaysian religious affairs minister plans to maintain religious schools despite the rise of violent incidents.
Supreme Court tentatively schedules landmark Quebec secularism case for March
10/11/2025
The Globe and Mail
The Supreme Court of Canada will hear a landmark case regarding Bill 21 and the potential limits on the Charter's notwithstanding clause. This hearing is considered one of the most significant cases in the Supreme Court that involves the notwithstanding clause, which is Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Aussies rally to BAN the burqa after Pauline Hanson's divisive call
10/11/2025
MSN
This article examines how Austraians are calling on their federal government to enforce a burqa ban in light of security concerns in public.
Ban on Niqab in public places, pillion riding as Section 144 imposed in Balochistan
10/11/2025
Pakistan Observer
This article highlights the new ban on the niqab in public places across Balochistan. The strict measure is enacted under Section 144 of the Criminal Code to address security concerns.
Hizb resurfaces in Bangladesh, starts propaganda against India
09/11/2025
The Sunday Guardian
This article describes how Hizb, a banned Islamist group, is regaining visibility in Bangladesh.
The Battle Iranian Women Are Winning
08/11/2025
The Atlantic
This article describes how the mandatory hijab requirement in Iran wil no longer be a valid law.
US targets Nigeria’s sharia states with sanctions threats
08/11/2025
The African Report
this article examines how imposing the Islamic legal code in Nigeria has been marked as religious persecution.
French MPs in uproar as schoolgirls wear hijabs to parliament
07/11/2025
The Times
This article explains how French politicians state that wearing religious symbols in the public gallery of the National Assembly breaches France's strict secular law.
French politicians accused of Islamophobia amid row over schoolgirls’ parliament visit
06/11/2025
Arab News
This article examines the controversy surrounding France's secular law after a group of Muslim students visited the National Assembly wearing hijabs.
Supreme Court soon to hear a religious freedom case that’s united both sides of the church-state divide
06/11/2025
The Conversation
This article examiens how the US Supreme Court will hear a case on religious freedom where an inmae of a minority religious group alleged that a warden violated is religious rights.
National Religious Broadcasters set 2026 convention in Jerusalem
05/11/2025
The Jerusalem Post
This article examines the upcoming religious convention to be held in Jerusalem in 2026.
Pakistan welcomes Indian Sikh pilgrims in first crossing since May conflict
05/11/2025
Al Jazeera
This article examines how Pakistan is welcoming Sikh pilgrims from India marketing the birth of Guru Nanak.
Nearly 2,100 Indian Sikhs arrive in Pakistan for annual religious festivities
04/11/2025
Newsav
This article examines how the increase of Skih pilgrims in Pakistan. The country's respect for religious minorities and commitment to fostering cultural ties has been recognized through the annual commemoration.
Quebec tightens secularism laws; bans face coverings and religious symbols for all educational staff
03/11/2025
The Canadian Jewish News
Quebec's secular laws are strengthening. The province has expanded its secular policies by adopting Bill 94, An Act to reinforce laicity in the education network, on October 30. This law bans face coverings and religious symbols for all educational staff. It also ends accommodation for religious holidays for students and school staff in all public schools across the province.
Nigeria defends religious freedom amid US concerns over Christian safety
02/11/2025
The Times of India
This article explains how the government of Nigeria is defending religious freedom after US government's claim of existential threat to Christianity.
Rise in use of Notwithstanding clause raises questions
01/11/2025
Red Deer Advocate
This article examines the challenges with the use of the notwithstanding clause by the Quebec government to pass Bill 21.
Provinces threaten our Charter rights
01/11/2025
Toronto Star
This article describes the concerns with Bill 94 which extends the ban on religious symbols to all employees who interact with students as part of their work. The ban has been pereceived by critics to be impeding their Charter rights.
It's time to admit our Charter rights are under attack.
31/10/2025
Toronto Star
This article describes concerns over Charter rights in light of the enactment of Bill 94 which strengthens the secular law in Quebec.
Thesis: Estonian school leaves kids without tools for understanding religion
30/10/2025
ERR News
This article explains the limited knowledge provided to Estonian students regarding religion and society.
Religious symbols ban: Quebec passes law to prevent students, staff from covering their faces
30/10/2025
Montreal City News
The Quebec government has enacted Bill 94 to enhance secularism in the Quebec school system. This Bill mandates that all staff and students remove religious face coverings, and it also imposes restrictions on food and accommodations for religious holidays.
Quebec government adopts secularism bill forcing students to uncover faces
30/10/2025
City View Airdrie
This article examines how the Quebec government is strengthening secularism to prevent face covering in public schools.
Bishop Eleganti condemns Vatican decision to provide Muslim prayer space
29/10/2025
The Catholic Herald
This article explains how Bishop Marian Eleganti has criticized the Vatican’s decision to provide prayer mats for Muslim scholars in the Vatican Apostolic Library.
Dhaka University Turns Extreme Right in Bangladesh's Uncertain Politics
28/10/2025
Tempo English
This article explains the secularism and religion in Bangladesh universities.
Kerala Govt Backs Muslim Girl’s Right to Wear Hijab in School, Calls Ban an ‘Invasion of Privacy’
27/10/2025
Times Now News
This article describes how the Kerala government is supporting a Muslim student who was prohibited from wearing the Islamic headscarf to school.
Iranian women flout law on mandatory veiling as police curtail arrests
27/10/2025
The Washington Post
This article examines how Iranian women are no longer following the mandatory veiling law in Iran.
Swiss Govt Rejects Nationwide Ban On Hijab In Schools
26/10/2025
Sunday Trust
This article examines how Switzerland's federal council has ruled out a nationwide ban on the hijab in public schools.
Why mandating Swedish values won't help integration
25/10/2025
The Local
This article examines the debate over mandating swedish values and religion.
It’s not ‘anti-British’ to ban the burqa
25/10/2025
The Telegraph
This article examines the debate on the burqa ban in the United Kingdom.
Quebec ban on religious symbols in daycares makes ‘them feel they no longer belong’: critics
24/10/2025
CTV News
The Quebec government's plan to pass Bill 94 is raising concerns among daycare workers. The Executive Director of the Quebec Association of Early Childhood Centers has expressed that the link between wearing religious symbols and their potential impact on children in daycare is not well understood. There are growing worries about the possibility of low-quality early childhood services as a result of Bill 94.
Iran's defunct bans, from satellite dishes to the veil
23/10/2025
Iran International
This article highlights the growing religion influence in Iran. The morality patrol is now advancing the hijab requirement as a social necessity.
Portugal Poised to Ban Niqab and Face Veil in Public Spaces
23/10/2025
ABNA News
The article descirbes how Portugual parliament is now banning the niqab and face veil in public spaces to reinforce secular values.
Swiss Government Rejects Ban on Hijabs in Public Schools
22/10/2025
News AM
This article explains how the Swiss government rejected a ban preventing students from wearing hijabs in public schools.
PM believes Portugal burqa ban is “correct”
21/10/2025
The Portugal News
This article examines how the Prime Minister agrees with the Portuguese Bill banning the burqa.
Burqa ban would only harden Britain’s religious divisions
21/10/2025
UnHerd
This article examines the concerns over the burqa ban leading to greater religious divisions in Britain.
Americans Increasingly See Religion as Gaining Influence in Public Life
20/10/2025
NTD News
This article examines how Americans are influenced by religion in their public life.
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