Bill 21 Resources

Bill 21, also known as the "Act respecting the laicity of the State," is a law in Quebec that prohibits certain public sector employees, including teachers in public schools, from wearing religious symbols while performing their duties.

Bill 21 applies to public sector employees in positions of authority, such as police officers, judges, and teachers in public schools. It specifically affects those hired after the law was enacted in June 2019. Teachers who were employed before this date are not subject to the rule unless they change positions or roles.

Religious symbols are defined as any visible article of clothing, jewelry, or accessories that indicate a religious affiliation. This includes, but is not limited to, hijabs, kippahs, turbans, and visible crosses.

Since interns are not officially hired employees of the public school system in Quebec, Bill 21 does not apply to them. Although you may experience pressure or disapproval from staff or colleagues who support the bill, you should know that you are not legally obligated to follow this law. In these instances, your internship supervisor and/or program director will work with you to ensure you feel supported.

Yes, Bill 21 does not apply to Concordia University, so you are allowed to wear religious symbols in your teacher education courses. 

No, Bill 21 does not apply to private schools. Teachers and interns in private schools are allowed to wear religious symbols.

If you plan to work in Quebec's public school system, Bill 21 may affect your job search if you wear religious symbols. However, you would be eligible to work elsewhere in Canada, and also within the many private and religious schools that Quebec has to offer.  

If the job offer was made after Bill 21 came into effect, you would not be allowed to wear religious symbols. If the offer is from a private school, Bill 21 would not apply. 

Bill 21 does not prevent anyone from being hired based on religion alone. However, if you choose to wear visible religious symbols, you may face restrictions when applying for public sector teaching positions.

Yes, Bill 21 only applies within Quebec. In other provinces or countries, different rules apply regarding religious symbols in the workplace. 

Refusing to comply with Bill 21 in a public school setting may result in disciplinary actions, including employment termination. During internships, although Bill 21 does not apply, you might encounter staff members who expect adherence to the same rules, which could impact your experience. In these instances, as noted above, your internship supervisor and/or program director will work with you to ensure you feel supported.

No, Bill 21 does not apply to teachers in CEGEPs or universities. It specifically targets primary and secondary school teachers in the public system. 

No, Bill 21 does not apply to educators in early childhood settings such as daycares or CPEs.  

Non-teaching staff, such as administrative or support staff, are not subject to Bill 21. The law specifically applies to teachers and other employees in positions of authority, such as police officers, judges.   

No, Bill 21 does not offer exceptions for specific religious groups. It applies uniformly to all individuals in public sector positions covered by the law. 

Although the law is currently in force, it has faced legal challenges. If you feel personally affected, you could consult with legal professionals or advocacy groups that are working to challenge the law.