Conservatives Decry Removal of Religious Exemption from Hate Speech Laws

The Conservative Party of Canada has condemned a recent agreement between the governing Liberals and the Bloc Québécois to eliminate a religious exemption from hate-speech laws. This change is seen by Conservatives as a direct attack on freedom of speech and religion. The deal was made in exchange for Bloc support for legislation aimed at addressing hate and terror symbols.

According to a report by the *National Post*, the amendment to Bill C-9 will remove the exemption that protects hateful or antisemitic speech when the speaker claims to express “in good faith” an opinion based on a religious belief. The Bloc Québécois has long advocated for the removal of this exemption, emphasizing the need to combat increasing hateful rhetoric, particularly antisemitic statements that often masquerade as religious speech.

Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, affirmed the necessity of this amendment in a statement released on March 25, 2024. He highlighted the urgent need for the government to take action against rising hate speech, which has escalated in recent months, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The party’s justice critic, Rhéal Éloi Fortin, added that the amendment would promote greater religious neutrality within the state.

While the Bloc’s efforts have garnered support from various Jewish and LGBTQ organizations, they have faced backlash from free speech advocates and numerous Christian groups. Many critics argue that the amendment could effectively criminalize certain interpretations of sacred texts. In response, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre expressed his concerns on social media, stating, “Liberal-Bloc amendments to C-9 will criminalize sections of the Bible, Quran, Torah, and other sacred texts.”

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner echoed these sentiments, calling for all political parties to oppose the amendment. She characterized the move as “an unprecedented assault on Canadian religious freedom” that must be halted. Her comments reflect a broader apprehension within the Conservative Party regarding the implications of the proposed legal changes.

In conjunction with the deal with the Bloc, the Liberals are expected to withdraw plans to eliminate the requirement for provincial attorney generals to authorize hate-propaganda prosecutions. This aspect of the agreement is likely to gain support from both the Bloc and Conservative members of Parliament.

Simon Jolin-Barrette, Quebec’s Justice Minister, has been a vocal advocate for the removal of the religious exemption for years. He celebrated the agreement between the Liberals and the Bloc on social media, viewing it as a significant step towards addressing hate speech in Canada.

As discussions continue around Bill C-9, the potential impact on freedom of speech and religious expression remains a contentious issue, highlighting the delicate balance between safeguarding individuals from hate speech and protecting constitutional rights.