ARTICLE · 27 FEBRUARY 2014

Are Prayers And Religious Symbols Appropriate At City Hall?

Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

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Is it appropriate for a municipal Council to recite prayers at an open meeting, or to display a crucifix in Council chambers?

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector

Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

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Is it appropriate for a municipal Council to recite prayers at an open meeting, or to display a crucifix in Council chambers? According to the Quebec Court of Appeal, it is; such prayers and such a crucifix, in the Court's view, represent religious heritage without violating citizens' right to freedom of conscience and religion.

In Saguenay (Ville de) v. Mouvement laique québécois, 2013 QCCA 936, the Quebec Court of Appeal recently found that the City Council of Saguenay may recite prayers at open meetings and display a Sacred Heart statue and a crucifix in Council chambers. Such actions, in the Court's view, did not violate citizens' right to freedom of conscience and religion.

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