Bloc Québécois Aims to Amend Bill C-9, Targeting Hate Speech Exemptions

The Bloc Québécois plans to propose an amendment to a Liberal government bill aimed at reforming hate speech laws in Canada. This amendment seeks to eliminate a religious exemption currently embedded in the Criminal Code, which allows individuals to express hate speech under the guise of religious opinion. The proposed change will be introduced during a clause-by-clause review of Bill C-9, known as the Combatting Hate Act, scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the House of Commons justice committee.

Under the existing law, individuals can defend themselves against hate speech charges if they claim to have expressed their views in “good faith” based on religious beliefs. The Bloc’s amendment intends to remove this particular clause, reflecting a growing sentiment among some lawmakers that such exemptions allow for the justification of hate crimes. Rhéal Fortin, the Bloc Québécois MP on the justice committee, is expected to spearhead this push.

The Liberal government, led by Justice Minister Sean Fraser, has shown openness to this amendment. During a previous committee meeting, Fraser stated, “I invite the committee to hear from witnesses on that, and if the majority of members agree to make this change, I see no problem with it.” This statement indicates a possible shift in the government’s stance toward a more stringent approach to hate speech.

Previous chair of the justice committee, Marc Miller, echoed Fraser’s sentiments, arguing against the use of religious texts to excuse hate crimes. “I don’t think people should be using the Bible, the Qur’an, or the Torah to escape from committing a hate crime,” he said in an interview on Parliament Hill.

The proposed legislation, Bill C-9, introduces new offenses related to hate speech. It aims to criminalize the intentional promotion of hatred against identifiable groups, particularly through the use of hate symbols associated with terrorism and historical atrocities. Symbols like the swastika and SS lightning bolts, along with those linked to recognized terrorist organizations, would fall under the new regulations.

Despite the support from some members of the Liberal party, opposition is mounting. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the proposed amendment, claiming it could “criminalize sections of the Bible, Qur’an, Torah and other sacred texts.” Conservative MP Andrew Lawton, also a member of the justice committee, voiced concerns, suggesting the amendment would infringe on freedoms of expression and religion. “My Conservative colleagues are going to continue to stand up for freedom of speech, freedom of expression and religious freedom,” he stated in a social media video.

In a parallel development, a coalition of civil liberties, community, and labor organizations is calling for the complete withdrawal of Bill C-9. Tim McSorley from the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group highlighted the potential threats the bill poses to free expression, assembly, and the right to protest. McSorley delivered his remarks during a press conference alongside representatives from groups such as the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council.

If the justice committee approves the amendment and the bill, it will proceed to a final vote in the House of Commons before being passed to the Senate for further consideration. The outcome of this legislative process could set a significant precedent in Canada’s approach to balancing hate speech regulations and freedom of expression.