Good afternoon. In this presentation, I will analyze 3 different media presenting a current event – Quebec’s nascent secularism law – through 3 different perspectives. First, I will provide an overview of the history of the groups, individuals and media outlets involved in this event. Second, I will synthesize the various perspectives of the event presented by these media outlets. Third, I will review those perspectives with a critical eye.

This event began with the publication of a bill known as Bill 21 in April 2019. This bill proposed reasonable accommodation restrictions, increasing current restrictions on religious symbols. Proponents argued it would enhance the secular nature of the state, while opponents argued it was unenforceable and violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The first media outlet examined is the National Post, a publication owned by the Postmedia network and known for its conservative slant. The National Post has presented the events in Quebec from the standpoint that secularism and the reasonable accommodation law enhance the secular nature of Quebec, providing the editorial that “Quebec’s secularism is an effective tool to defend the secular system and ensure the proper functioning of the state” (National Post, 2019).

The second media outlet examined is La Presse, a publication owned by Gesca Ltd. and known for its independent, centrist slant. La Presse has taken more of a balanced approach to the Quebec secularism law, presenting pros and cons for both sides of the debate. For example, La Presse reported that “the ruling passes a secular test, however some opponents describe it as a violation of fundamental rights” (La Presse, 2019).

The third media outlet examined is Plaza Publica, a non-profit outlet funded by Arts and Culture Access Centers. Known for its progressive slant, Plaza Publica has presented the Quebec secularism law from a critical standpoint. For example, Plaza Publica argued that the “proposed law will likely cause controversy and lawsuits – as well as a wave of indignation - among vulnerable communities” (Plaza Publica, 2019).

In conclusion, these 3 different media outlets have presented the Quebec secularism law from different angles, reflecting the bias and interests of their various owners. Analyzing the various perspectives allows for a fuller understanding of the nuances of the debate surrounding the issue.

References

1. La Presse (2019). Quebec secularism: the government gets a test. Available at:https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2019-04-14/loi-sur-la-laicite-sl-gouvernement-faisait-le-test.php

2. National Post (2019). Quebec’s secularist drive: Much of its charm lies in the spirit of progressive reform. Available at: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/quebecs-secularism-drive-much-of-its-charm-lies-in-the-spirit-of-progressive-reform

3. Plaza Publica (2019). Bill 21: Indigenous, health, religious and educational communities against Quebec secularism. Available at:http://plazapublica.ca/content/projet-de-loi-nr-21-les-communaut%C3%A9s-autochtones-de-sant%C3%A9-religieuses-et-educatives-s%E2%80%99opposent-%C3%A0-la-la%C3%AFcite-qu%C3%A9b%C3%A9coise