Last mentioned: Mar 22, 2026
Supreme Court Hearing
The Supreme Court of Canada begins hearing arguments on the constitutionality of the law and the use of Section 33.
Court of Appeal Ruling
The Quebec Court of Appeal removes exemptions and upholds the law in its entirety.
Superior Court Ruling
The law is largely upheld, but exemptions are granted for English-language school boards.
Bill 21 Passed
The Quebec National Assembly passes the State Laicity Act.
The Supreme Court of Canada has commenced hearings on the landmark challenge to Quebec’s Bill 21, a law prohibiting public servants from wearing religious symbols. The case centers on the controversial use of the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to preemptively shield legislation from judicial review.