Premier François Legault’s fiery promise to defend Quebecers from "radical Islamists" by banning prayer in public has reignited a debate that has dominated the political agenda in the province for the last 20 years.

In a speech to open the latest session at the National Assembly last month, Legault talked about a threat to Quebec’s identity from what he called “politico-religious” groups.

“I'm talking about radical Islamists, a group of people who try by all means to impose their values, to challenge our values and in particular women's right to equality,” Legault thundered in the National Assembly.

Not to be outdone, the Parti Québécois , which leads in opinion polls under leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, not only supports the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ)'s prayer ban

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