Quebec's Secular Movement is asking the Supreme Court of Canada to hear an appeal of a court ruling that allows prayers before municipal council meetings.

On May 27 Quebec's Court of Appeal ruled that reciting a prayer did not violate the religious neutrality of a city.

The issue arose because the Mayor of Saguenay, Jean Tremblay, insisted on beginning council meetings with a prayer.

In 2011 Quebec's Human Rights Tribunal ordered a stop to the prayers, and ruled that the crucifix in Saguenay's council chambers be removed.

Lucie Jobin, president of Quebec's Secular Movement, said municipalities should not have any religious dealings, and that the principle of absolute neutrality on religious matters should govern municipalities.

Quebec's Secular Movement has also been instrumental in working on the proposed Charter of Quebec Values, although earlier this week Jobin said she was disappointed that the PQ government wanted to keep the crucifix in the National Assembly.

With a file from The Canadian Press