Montreal City Hall drops hijab sign amid secularism debate
Montreal City Hall has taken down a welcome sign featuring a woman in a hijab after public complaints.
The image was removed from the building’s lobby following concerns it violated Quebec’s secularism law, known as Bill 21.
The law bans public employees, including teachers and police, from wearing religious symbols such as hijabs, turbans, crosses, and kippahs while on duty.
Critics claimed the sign conflicted with this law, which aims to promote religious neutrality in government spaces.
City Hall spokesperson Catherine Cadotte said the sign “did not meet the desired objective” and will be replaced with rotating artworks by young Montrealers.
The sign was first unveiled in June during the reopening of the renovated building.
Despite the change, Cadotte insisted City Hall remains an inclusive place for all.
Muslim groups argue Bill 21 unfairly targets Muslim women and forces them to choose between their job and their faith.
Two court challenges to the law have failed so far.
The incident has reignited the ongoing debate over Quebec’s controversial secularism law.
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