Muslim women end 18-week protest series against Quebec secularism laws

Québécoises musulmanes tannées held its 18th and final consecutive weekly sit-in Monday outside the downtown Montreal office of Quebec's interim premier, Christine Fréchette, marking the end of a sustained four-month campaign against the province's secularism laws.

The group gathered on Sherbrooke Street on election day as Quebecers voted, saying Quebec's secularism laws — particularly Bill 21 and Bill 9 — have unfairly affected Muslim women who wear religious symbols, creating barriers in professional and public life. Over the past seven years, Quebec has introduced a series of laws concerning the wearing of religious symbols in certain public-sector settings.

Asma, a coordinator for the group, described the personal toll. "From one day to the next, I found myself without a job, and I'd even say, without my dignity," she said. "This law deeply affected me. After working for 10 years, I suddenly found myself out of work and with no financial support. My career is broken."

Sandra Martin-Chang, another demonstrator, highlighted the broader impact on children. "I think it's really important for students to be able to see people from all different cultures. And I think this bill, bill 21 and bill 9, makes it so that predominantly children are seeing only one type of people. And I don't think that's okay."

Farida Mohamed raised concerns about education policy. "What kind of education are we providing for our future children? I'm appalled by the fact that the Quebec government is not even worried about that."

Organizers Nora and another coordinator set up a banner allowing the public to show their support with written messages. The group said its movement will continue in other forms during the next political cycle, regardless of who forms the next government.