How it unfolded
As Good Friday approached on April 3, 2026, Quebec was bracing for significant changes in how religious practices could be conducted in public spaces. Just before this key date, the Quebec government adopted a law that would restrict public prayer on Good Friday, a day traditionally marked by various religious observances, including the procession of the Stations of the Cross.
The new law prohibits the use of public spaces for collective religious practices without municipal consent. This legislative change has raised concerns among many believers, as it effectively limits their ability to express their faith in public settings. Martin Laliberté, a vocal critic of the law, stated, “Ce qui était un droit devient maintenant un non-droit,” highlighting the shift from a right to a non-right for believers in Quebec.
In the previous year, the procession of the Stations of the Cross in Montreal attracted nearly 1,000 participants, organized by Communion and Liberation Canada. This event has been a significant aspect of Good Friday for many, allowing the community to come together in faith. However, with the new restrictions in place, the future of such gatherings is uncertain.
On the day itself, the weather across Quebec was challenging, with a storm bringing snow, freezing rain, and rain. Up to 45 cm of snow was expected in certain regions, while northern areas faced the possibility of 10 mm of freezing rain. Wind gusts of 70 to 90 km/h were also forecasted in southern Quebec, adding to the difficulties for those wishing to participate in any outdoor religious activities.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the implications of the law were felt deeply by the community. John Zucchi remarked, “Je pense que les gens sont touchés par la sobriété de l’évènement, par sa simplicité et par la dignité tranquille qui l’entoure,” emphasizing the quiet dignity that characterizes such religious observances. The law’s restrictions, however, have led some to feel marginalized, as Martin Laliberté pointed out, “Les gens qui sont croyants dans la société deviennent des citoyens de deuxième classe qui n’ont pas le droit, comme tous les autres citoyens, de pouvoir vivre une manifestation dans un lieu public au nom de leur foi.”
As the day unfolded, many were left to ponder the implications of this new law on their religious freedoms. The procession, which had been a vibrant expression of faith, now faced an uncertain future. The law’s adoption just before Good Friday has raised questions about the balance between public order and religious expression in Quebec.
Currently, the situation remains tense as communities navigate these new restrictions. Many are advocating for a reconsideration of the law, seeking to restore the rights of believers to gather and practice their faith in public spaces. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the future of religious observance in Quebec.
