Quebec Minister Says Police Could Intervene If People Disobey Religious Symbols Law

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The Quebec government on Tuesday explained how its proposed secularism law would be enforced as a growing number of organizations said they are prepared to disobey it.

One cabinet minister said the police could be called in and another said injunctions could be sought, while Premier Francois Legault said he prefers not to specify what measures would be used.

Public Security Minister Genevieve Guilbault said citizens will need to respect the law and suggested the authorities could get involved. “People will notify the police.

It’s like any other law,” she said, declining to elaborate.

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Bill 21, which was tabled last week, would prohibit public servants in positions of authority — including teachers, police officers, Crown prosecutors and prison guards — from wearing religious symbols on the job. A grandfather clause protects people already hired in those positions.

Premier Francois Legault emerged from caucus later to tell reporters that Guilbault misspoke on a hypothetical situation, chalking it up to her inexperience.

He added he is confident the eventual law would be respected.

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