Canada's Supreme Court Weighs Religious Freedom vs. Secularism

It's March 26. You're listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Corey, with the story.

Canada Supreme Court is wrapping up hearings on Quebec's Bill 21, which bans religious symbols for public workers like teachers and judges.

Catholic bishops argue the province lacks the power to enforce this, saying rules on religion belong to the federal government.

Lawyers for the bishops told the court that Canada's Constitution protects faith practices, pointing to safeguards for religious schools and tax.

Benefits for faith groups, they say Quebec's skipped needed federal approval, unmy past changes to school systems back in 1997.

Adjust this pushback during arguments, questioning where the Constitution explicitly supports religion.

Still, the bishops have support from a rare alliance, including Sikh, Muslim, and Jewish groups all intervening to challenge the law.

Bill 21 targets symbols like hijabs, turbines, kippas, and crucifixes for roles with authority.

Quebec used the notwithstanding clause to block some rights challenges after a provincial appeals court, mostly upheld it.

As the four-day hearings end, the decision could reshape how provinces handle faith in public life, balancing secularism with religious freedoms across the country.