Quebec prayer restrictions reshape rules at transit agency, universities

MONTREAL — Quebec’s new restrictions on prayer are changing the rules at public workplaces and university campuses, with employees and students facing new limits on where they can pray.

Quebec adopted its secularism law in April, with new rules taking effect Sept. 1 that include a ban on prayer rooms in public institutions such as universities, colleges and transit agencies.

The law also prohibits collective religious practices on public roads and in public parks unless a municipality grants permission on a case-by-case basis.

Montreal’s public transit agency, the STM, says employees can no longer pray anywhere on its property, including in four wellness rooms where prayer had been permitted alongside meditation, relaxation and yoga.