Muslim groups in Quebec are suing the provincial government over the recently enacted ban on prayer rooms in public schools.
The groups filed a petition in Superior Court this week seeking a judicial review of the ban as well as a judgment to have it declared unconstitutional.
They claim that the changes announced on April 19 violate the right to freedom of religion and association and discriminate against Muslims.
Education Minister Bernard Drainville ordered the ban after reports emerged that at least two Montreal-area schools were allowing students to gather on school property to pray.
Mr. Drainville said the concept of prayer rooms goes against the official policy of secularism in Quebec.
The plaintiffs, which include several Muslim groups in the Montreal area, say the decision to go to court was a last resort and was made after extensive consultation.
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