Under the new rules, religious practices are prohibited in premises and facilities  belonging to public institutions. This means that dedicated prayer rooms at universities can no longer be used for prayer. The legislation also prevents students from using other campus spaces, such as classrooms, offices or dining areas, for religious practices.

The changes also extend restrictions on religious symbols to additional groups, including staff in subsidized private schools and subsidized childcare services. The law also establishes new rules for religious accommodations and prohibits collective religious practices on public roads and in public parks without municipal authorization.

The Quebec government presents the measures as part of its model of state secularism, emphasizing the separation of religion and the state, state neutrality and equality. Critics, however, argue that the expanded restrictions place greater limits on religious expression and practice, with particular implications for Muslim communities.

In late August, Marine Le Pen revived the National Rally’s proposal to penalize the wearing of the Islamic headscarf in public spaces. The proposal would go beyond France’s existing restrictions and could affect Muslim women wearing the hijab in streets and other public areas.

The proposal has faced criticism from political opponents and legal experts, who have questioned its compatibility with religious freedom and France’s constitutional framework. Even within the National Rally, there have been reservations about extending restrictions to the public sphere.

In Austria From the beginning of the 2026/27 school year, girls under the age of 14 are prohibited from wearing a headscarf that covers the head according to Islamic traditions in school. The government argues that the measure is intended to protect girls’ development, autonomy and equality.

Critics, including Austria’s main Muslim representative organization, argue that it disproportionately targets Muslim girls and interferes with fundamental rights. The Austrian Constitutional Court is expected to face renewed challenges over the legislation, particularly given its earlier decision to strike down a narrower headscarf ban in 2020.