Crucifix removed from National Assembly's Blue Room

The crucifix that has hung for decades above the Speaker's chairin the National Assembly's Blue Roomhas been removed.

Visitors will be able to view the artifact on display in a space between the Blue and Red rooms.

Quebec Premier Franois Legault had initially said the crucifix was there to stay, insisting it was nota religious symbol, but a historical one.

However, he changed his mind by the time his government's religious symbol ban was first tabled.

Montreal also recently decided to remove its crucifix from City Hall. It was taken down during renovations to the building and it will not be returned to its long-time spot on the wall in council chambers.

At the time, Montreal Mayor Valrie Plantesaid the crucifix is an important part of Montreal's heritage and history, but as a symbol, it does not reflect the modern reality of secularism in democratic institutions.