The City of Montreal has officially removed a welcome sign from its city hall that became a focal point of controversy last fall due to its depiction of a woman wearing an Islamic headscarf, known as a hijab. The image, which was displayed in the lobby of the newly renovated city hall, drew significant criticism from various quarters, prompting Mayor Valérie Plante to announce the decision to take it down as an act of adherence to the principle of secularism.

The sign featured a pencil sketch-style image of a woman in a hijab positioned between two men; one was younger, wearing a baseball cap and overcoat, while the other was an older man with his arms crossed in front of him. Above this image, the message "Welcome to Montreal City Hall!" was prominently displayed in French. The visual was intended to depict the diverse nature of Montreal in 2025.

However, the image sparked backlash and became a talking point for criticism concerning the presence of religious symbols in public spaces. Notably, Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon voiced his objections, describing the sign as an example of religion intruding into the public sphere, thus contributing to the call for its removal.

In contrast, a number of Muslim rights groups and advocates opposed the removal of the sign, asserting that the image was a meaningful representation of Montreal's multicultural fabric. They argued that it should be viewed as a celebration of diversity rather than a promotion of any specific religion.

The decision to take down the sign was conveyed through comments from Mayor Plante's spokeswoman, Catherine Cadotte. She indicated that the poster did not achieve its intended purpose of symbolizing the city’s diversity and future aspirations. Consequently, the city plans to replace it with a rotating exhibition featuring works created by young Montreal artists. This initiative aims to provide a platform for these artists to express their visions and hopes for the future of Montreal.

This development concerning the welcome sign at Montreal City Hall was first made public on March 25, 2025, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discourse about secularism and diversity in public representation within the city.

In summary, the removal of the welcome sign brings to light broader discussions surrounding secularism, representation, and multiculturalism in Montreal. The city’s decision represents a response to community feedback and an effort to re-align public imagery with the values held by a diverse populace.