Record number of groups to speak at Supreme Court case against Quebec secularism law 

As expected given stakes. Case to watch:

A record number of groups have been given standing to present legal arguments at the Supreme Court of Canada as it hears a challenge to Quebec’s secularism law, a case that could reshape how governments across the country use the Charter’s notwithstanding clause.

At issue is Quebec’s Bill 21, a 2019 law that bans public-sector workers, including teachers and police, from wearing religious symbols such as hijabs or crosses at work. The Quebec government used Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the notwithstanding clause, to shield the law from legal challenges.

The notwithstanding clause allows a government to override fundamental rights such as freedom of religion. Courts in Quebec have twice upheld Bill 21, rejecting an array of legal challenges and ruling the province’s use of the notwithstanding clause was valid. Last January, the Supreme Court agreed to take on the politically explosive case.

Last week, Chief Justice Richard Wagner granted standing to 38 outside groups – interveners – to file their legal views, which are due in mid-September.

It is a record number of interveners, according to Supreme Advocacy, an Ottawa-based firm that closely tracks the top court. Interveners include the Canadian Council of Muslim Women and the Ontario Human Rights Commission….

Source: Record number of groups to speak at Supreme Court case against Quebec secularism law