MONTREAL - The Quebec government says it is planning to ban prayer in public places as part of a move to strengthen secularism in the province.

The announcement makes good on a suggestion put forward in December by Premier François Legault, who said he didn't want to see people praying in public parks or on streets.

On Thursday, Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge confirmed he will table legislation this fall to outlaw the practice.

"The rise of street prayers is a serious and sensitive issue in Quebec," he said in a written statement. "Last December, our government expressed its unease with this growing phenomenon, particularly in Montreal."

Roberge did not say whether the government would invoke the notwithstanding clause, which would allow the bill to override certain sections

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