Canadian Muslim group challenging no-prayer in schools decree

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Quebec’s ban on visible prayers in school violates an individual’s religious freedom and civil rights, claims a lawsuit filed Tuesday by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a student and a civil liberties association.

The decree particularly affects practicing Muslim students, who pray five times a day, many using a prayer rug.

“Today we are in court to stand up for Quebec students,” NCCM Chief Executive Officer Steven Brown said at a news conference. “This decree must be suspended due to the significant harm to children in Quebec schools.”

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association, who were represented at the news conference, and a Quebec student, joined the NCCM in challenging the law.

“This decree is hurting Quebec students,” said Harini Sivalingam, Equality Program Director at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. “After the decree was issued students have told us that their schools have prohibited them from praying at school (altogether).”

Brown said the Quebec government has no business telling anyone when and where they can or cannot pray.

“The joint lawsuit addresses the prayer ban’s violation of personal and religious freedoms,” he said. “This is an issue that has direct effects on the lives of children. The lawsuit includes a Quebec student plaintiff whose civil rights and religious freedoms are breached by the Quebec government’s decree.”

The government should not meddle in the “spiritual lives” of children, in a democratic country, said Brown.

“We cannot allow for the state to police our children in schools – a place where they should be learning and growing in a safe and supportive environment regardless of their religious background,” he said. “This is why we will not stop until this decree is struck down.”