The Bloc Québécois plans to propose an amendment to a bill by the Liberal government that aims to eliminate a religious exemption from Canada’s hate speech laws, as per information shared with CBC News. Currently, the Criminal Code includes an exemption for hate speech related to religious opinions or beliefs. The Bloc intends to present this amendment as part of Bill C-9, known as the Combatting Hate Act, during a detailed review at the House justice committee. Rhéal Fortin, the Bloc member on the justice committee, is expected to lead this initiative.
An anonymous source revealed this information to CBC News, requesting anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly on the matter. While the National Post previously reported that the Liberals might support the amendment to pass C-9, CBC News has not independently verified this potential agreement.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser has shown openness to considering the removal of the religious exemption, inviting the committee to explore the idea during a previous session. Marc Miller, who recently transitioned to a cabinet role from chairing the justice committee, also expressed willingness to consider the exemption’s removal to prevent misuse of religious texts to justify hate crimes.
Conservatives have expressed concerns about removing the religious exemption, with Leader Pierre Poilievre warning that such a change could criminalize parts of sacred texts. Additionally, Conservative MP Andrew Lawton criticized the amendment, arguing that it could impede freedom of expression.
Bill C-9 proposes new Criminal Code offenses, including criminalizing the intentional promotion of hatred against identifiable groups using specific hate or terrorism-related symbols. These symbols encompass those associated with the Holocaust and entities like the Proud Boys, Hamas, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The bill also aims to establish hate-motivated crimes as specific offenses and address acts of intimidation near places of worship and sensitive institutions.
A coalition comprising civil liberties, community, and labor organizations has urged the government to withdraw the bill entirely, citing concerns about the potential impact on free expression, assembly, and dissent. The coalition includes representatives from various groups, such as the Public Service Alliance of Canada and Independent Jewish Voices, emphasizing the need to protect fundamental rights.
If the bill advances through the committee stage, it will proceed to a final vote in the House before consideration by the Senate.
