Statement on the Court of Appeal decision

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

Today, the Quebec Court of Appeal upheld the constitutionality of the discriminatory elements of Bill 21 (Quebec’s Act respecting the secular nature of the State). Muslim women will still not have the right to live and work in the clothing of their choice in Quebec.

The FFQ and the Fonds d’action et d’éducation juridique pour les femmes pleaded the unconstitutionality of Bill 21, arguing that it infringes the fundamental right to gender equality as set out in section 28 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Court disagreed with our argument and did not use an intersectional approach in its analysis.

We want to reiterate our solidarity with the women affected by Bill 21 and affirm that a feminist society can never tolerate laws that limit women’s rights to make decisions about their bodies and beliefs, that limit their ability to participate in society, obtain services or find employment.

Our fight for women’s unconstrained choices, for justice and equality, against racism and Islamophobia, will continue.

Our full analysis of the ruling will be published tomorrow – stay tuned!