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 an idea first mentioned last winter 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 move comes amid simmering tension in Quebec over Muslim prayers taking place as part of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal.

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

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