Québec Values Test: State secularism (laicity)

All 14 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

1. True or false: since March 27, 2019, a newly hired police officer may not wear a religious symbol while on duty.

   1. True, under the Act respecting the laicity of the State
   2. False; the law covers elected officials only
   3. False; the law covers judges only
   4. True, but only in Montréal

2. What does it mean that the Québec State and its institutions are secular (laïques)?

   1. Their decisions are independent of religious powers
   2. The State chooses an official religion for everyone
   3. All religions are banned in public in Québec
   4. Religious leaders sit on the Conseil des ministres

3. At a hospital, does your religion or the staff's religion affect how fast you get care?

   1. Yes, depending on the doctor's religion
   2. Yes, Catholics are seen first
   3. No, it makes no difference
   4. Yes, if you share the same religion

4. From what period did religion's influence on Québec's collective life decline?

   1. From 1977
   2. From the 1960s
   3. From 2019
   4. From 1867

5. Which of these new employees is covered by the ban on wearing a religious symbol at work, according to the guide?

   1. A cashier at a private grocery store in Laval
   2. A teacher at a public primary school
   3. A client visiting a Services Québec office
   4. An engineer at a private engineering firm

6. Which religious institution played an important role in Québec's history, especially in health and education?

   1. The Catholic Church
   2. No religious institution
   3. Buddhist communities
   4. The Anglican Church

7. On which principles does the laicity of the Québec State rest?

   1. Religious leaders' authority, tradition and respect for customs
   2. A State religion, obedience and a ban on private worship
   3. Neutrality for schools only, not for other public services
   4. Separation, neutrality, equality, and freedom of conscience and religion

8. A public school teacher wore a religious symbol and was already in her job on March 27, 2019. What does the law provide?

   1. She must remove it immediately or be dismissed
   2. She may keep it while in the same job with the same employer
   3. She may keep it only until the end of the 2019 school year
   4. She may keep it even if she becomes a police officer elsewhere

9. In a secular Québec, does a person have the right to practise the religion of their choice?

   1. Yes, freedom of religion is a fundamental value
   2. Yes, but only the majority religion
   3. Yes, but only with written State permission
   4. No, laicity forbids all religious practice, even in private

10. What does the State's religious neutrality mean for citizens' beliefs in their private lives?

    1. It requires citizens to declare their religion to the State
    2. It requires every citizen to hide their religion at home
    3. It does not cover them; it concerns State action
    4. It forbids citizens from changing their religion

11. What is unique about Québec's approach to secularism in North America?

    1. It is the only State that has written laicity into its laws
    2. It is the only State that bans all religion in private life
    3. It is the only State where places of worship are closed
    4. It is the only State with an official religion

12. In what year did Québec pass the Act respecting the laicity of the State?

    1. 1960
    2. 2019
    3. 2001
    4. 1977

13. Why must your face be uncovered to receive some government services?

    1. To follow a Catholic tradition
    2. For identity checks or security
    3. So staff can learn the person's religion
    4. To serve citizens more quickly

14. What status does the Act respecting the laicity of the State have in Québec's legal order?

    1. That of an agreement signed with the churches
    2. Quasi-constitutional status, like the Charter
    3. That of an internal directive with no force of law
    4. That of a simple municipal by-law that can be changed