Hearings for a significant Supreme Court of Canada case concerning Quebec’s 2019 secularism law, Bill 21, are set to begin on March 23, with five days allocated for arguments. The law prohibits public sector workers in authority from wearing religious symbols and is protected from many constitutional challenges due to its invocation of the notwithstanding clause. Critics argue it infringes on freedom of expression and religion, while the Quebec government defends it as vital for secularism and gender equality. The court’s decision is expected to establish important precedents regarding minority rights and the use of the notwithstanding clause across Canada.
