Nones and Catholics in Quebec

Abstract

The authors examine the relationship between religion and support for State secularism in the context of the recent passing of Bill 21 in Quebec. After contextualizing the transformation of Québécois’ regime of religiosity from the 1960s to the present day, the authors analyze two surveys on how the restrictive measures set out in Bill 21 have been received and supported. Public opinion data suggest something unexpected at first glance: support for the measures aimed at restricting the wearing of religious symbols in State institutions appears to come mainly from Francophones who are self-declared Catholics, rather than from the nonreligious. Language, religious (non) affiliation, age as well as place of residence appear to be major determinants when it comes to support for the restrictive State secularism measures.