After the Bouchard-Taylor Commission: Religious Accommodation and Human Rights in Quebec

Abstract

Like other liberal democracies, Canada and Quebec is facing important challenges raised by moral and religious diversity, such as the legitimacy of reasonable accommodations and the meaning of secularism in a pluralistic society. Focusing on these latter issues in the context of Quebec’s recent history and political culture, with a particular emphasis on the 2007-08 Consultation Commission on Accommodation Practices Related to Cultural Differences, I intend to outline the current state of the debate in Quebec. First, I define the legal obligation to accommodate and specify what are its limits. Second, I pinpoint the meaning of secularism and defend a liberal and pluralist conception. Third, I discuss the main piece of legislation (Bill 94) that was drafted by the Government of Quebec in response to the recommendations of the aforementioned Commission.

Published online: 11 December 2017