标签： North America

The Quebec government has unveiled sweeping new secularism legislation that significantly expands restrictions on religious expression in public spaces. The Coalition Avenir Québec government introduced Bill 9 on Thursday, marking what officials term ‘secularism 2.0’ – a substantial enhancement of the controversial 2019 religious symbols law that has sparked national debate.

The comprehensive legislation extends religious symbol prohibitions to staff in subsidized daycares and bans unauthorized collective religious practices, including prayer, in public areas such as parks. It further mandates that students and staff from daycare through post-secondary education cannot wear face coverings, while also limiting exclusively religion-based menus like kosher and halal meals in public institutions.

Jean-François Roberge, Minister Responsible for Secularism, defended the measures as balancing individual and collective rights. The government cites recent protests where public spaces were used for prayer gatherings as partial motivation for the new restrictions. ‘It’s shocking to see people blocking traffic, taking possession of public space without permits, and turning our streets, parks, and squares into places of worship,’ Roberge stated.

The legislation builds upon Bill 21, which previously prohibited judges, police officers, teachers and public servants from wearing religious symbols including kippahs, turbans, and hijabs while working. That law invoked Canada’s notwithstanding clause to override certain constitutional freedoms, a move currently facing Supreme Court review scheduled for early next year.

Opposition parties and advocacy groups have strongly criticized the expanded measures. The Parti Québecois accuses the governing coalition of creating social division to bolster support ahead of provincial elections, while the National Council of Canadian Muslims condemned the legislation as ‘doubling down on identity politics and division.’

Secularism (laïcité) has remained a persistent issue in Quebec since the 1960s decline of Catholic Church influence. Recent polling indicates 68% of Quebec residents consider secularism an important value, aligning the province with similar legislation in several European Union nations including France, which implemented religious symbol bans in 2004 and face covering restrictions in 2010.

A former Afghan security contractor with documented ties to U.S. intelligence agencies stands accused of executing a targeted shooting against two National Guard members in Washington D.C. this week. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, allegedly traveled cross-country from Washington state to carry out what authorities describe as an ‘ambush-style’ attack just blocks from the White House.

The victims, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, both remain hospitalized in critical condition after being shot at close range Wednesday afternoon. Lakanwal was subsequently shot and detained by other Guard members present at the scene.

According to official statements and background investigations, Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome—a special immigration program established following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His admission was based on previous service with Unit 03 of the Kandahar Strike Force (locally known as Scorpion Forces), which initially operated under CIA direction before transitioning to Afghan intelligence control.

A former military commander who served with Lakanwal described him to BBC Afghan Service as a GPS tracking specialist and ‘sporty, jolly character’ who helped secure Kabul airport during the chaotic evacuation. His entire unit was airlifted to the U.S. days after the Taliban entered Kabul.

The incident has triggered significant policy repercussions. President Donald Trump, who characterized the shooting as an ‘act of terror,’ immediately suspended all Afghan immigration applications and ordered a comprehensive review of all special immigration programs. USCIS Chief Joseph Edlow confirmed the administration would conduct ‘a full scale, rigorous re-examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.’

Additionally, the president announced deployment of 500 additional National Guard members to Washington D.C., augmenting the existing force of 2,000 troops deployed since August to address urban crime concerns.

Lakanwal currently faces multiple felony charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, potentially carrying more than a decade imprisonment if convicted. He remains under guard while receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during his apprehension.

In a brazen daylight assault, two National Guard members were critically wounded in a targeted shooting just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon. The attack occurred at approximately 2:00 PM EST near Farragut Square at the intersection of 17th and I Streets, a bustling downtown Washington DC area frequented by office workers during lunch hours.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll characterized the incident as an ambush, stating the suspect emerged from around a corner and immediately opened fire at close range. The victims, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe from the West Virginia National Guard, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remain in critical condition following surgery.

The alleged perpetrator, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was apprehended at the scene after being shot four times during his capture. Law enforcement officials confirmed he is not cooperating with authorities. Investigation reveals Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program established during the Biden administration following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan.

According to official statements, Lakanwal had previously worked with U.S. forces and intelligence agencies in Afghanistan. He had been granted asylum earlier this year after applying in 2024. The suspect resided in Washington state with his wife and five children.

President Donald Trump, who was at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida during the incident, condemned the attack as ‘an act of terror’ and ‘a crime against humanity.’ In response, the president announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital and suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans. Trump further called for a comprehensive re-examination of all Afghan immigrants who entered the country during the Biden administration.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Lakanwal will face three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a potential 15-year sentence, plus firearm charges related to crimes of violence. The current National Guard presence in Washington DC numbers nearly 2,200 troops, who serve in a limited capacity as they lack law enforcement authority.

Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the tragedy of the situation, noting that Beckstrom had volunteered for holiday duty so others could be with their families. Both soldiers now fight for their lives as their families maintain vigil at hospital rooms.

Canada is poised to enhance its diplomatic and economic ties with China at an accelerated pace, according to Jennifer May, the Canadian Ambassador to China. Speaking at a reception commemorating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, May emphasized the commitment to addressing key bilateral issues swiftly. The event, held in Beijing, was jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Canadian Embassy. May highlighted a significant turning point in the relationship following the recent China-Canada leaders’ meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. Additionally, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has accepted an invitation to visit China at a mutually convenient time, a move that May anticipates will further solidify the partnership. Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, praised the Canadian government’s proactive and constructive approach to fostering bilateral relations, expressing confidence that such efforts will garner public support and withstand historical scrutiny.