The BC Humanist Association and Canadian Secular Alliance are headed back to the Supreme Court of Canada to argue for the importance of an inclusive interpretation of the state's duty of religious neutrality.
On Wednesday, Chief Justice Richard Wagner granted the two organizations leave to intervene in a case that tests the legality of Quebec's religious symbols ban, Bill 21.
Bill 21, enacted in 2019, prohibits certain public employees from wearing religious symbols while at work. The Quebec government preemptively invoked the "notwithstanding clause" to override people's fundamental rights and freedoms.
The BCHA condemned the law at the time, calling it a "clear infringement of our fundamental freedoms." The board passed a resolution stating the law "invokes government control over the personal clothing choices of individuals and therefore stands in opposition to Humanism’s principles."
A number of groups launched legal challenges against the law, which are now set to be considered by Canada's highest court.
The BC Humanist Association and Canadian Secular Alliance will present arguments before the court arguing that the state's duty of religious neutrality is distinct from religious freedom and cannot be overridden by the notwithstanding clause.
Read our memorandum of argument
Bill 21 converts the state's duty of religious neutrality from a shield that protects an individual's freedom of - and freedom from - religion into a sword that lets government dictate how or when religious beliefs can be expressed.
The BCHA is seeking support to cover legal costs associated with this intervention. Please help if you can.
Arguments in the case will likely be heard later this fall, with a decision to come in 2026.