Well the French version remains unchanged...

The religious undertones are contained in the following lyrics:

• "Il sait porter la croix" (He know to carry the cross)

• "Et ta valeur, de foi trempée" (and you valour, steeped in faith)

As for the entirety of the French (short) version, it is perfectly gender neutral from its origins.

The religious problem arise in the second verse of the French version that is so pathetically religious that we should be happy nobody remembers it...

French second verse translated:

Under the eye of God, near the giant river,

The Canadian grows hoping.

He was born of a proud race,

Blessed was his birthplace.

Heaven has noted (influenced) his career

In this new world.

Always guided by its light, (meaning religious faith)

He will keep the honour of his flag,

He will keep the honour of his flag.

From his patron, the precursor of the true God,

He wears the halo of fire on his brow.

Enemy of tyranny

But full of loyalty,

He wants to keep in harmony , His proud freedom;

And by the effort of his genius, (Ingenuity)

Set on our ground the truth,

Set on our ground the truth.

Sacred love of the throne and the altar,

Fill our hearts with your immortal breath! (reference to eternal life)

Among the foreign races,

Our guide is the law:

Let us know how to be a people of brothers,

Under the yoke of faith.

And repeat, like our fathers,

The battle cry: "For Christ and King!"

The battle cry: "For Christ and King!"

As you see the second verse of the french version is steeped in religious imagery...