Portuguese procession permit denied over Quebec prayer law concerns

Montreal's annual Portuguese Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres procession faced an unexpected obstacle when the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough denied its permit last week, citing Quebec's new law barring street prayers passed in April.

Organizer Emanuel Linhares carefully reviewed the legislation and believed the event was compliant, as the procession does not involve collective praying—only street processing and cultural celebration. However, the borough denied the permit anyway, citing the new law as grounds for refusal.

The decision highlights tensions between new provincial legislation and established cultural and religious traditions in Montreal's diverse neighborhoods.