Conservative lawmakers warn that Canada’s proposed changes to hate speech laws could lead to criminal charges for quoting the Bible or other religious texts. Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, introduced in September by Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser, passed the House of Commons on March 25 and now advances to the Senate.
Bill Aims to Address Rising Hate Crimes
Proponents argue the legislation targets a 169 percent surge in hate crimes since 2018, based on government data. While some Jewish organizations back it to combat antisemitism, Christian and Muslim groups strongly oppose it. The bill eliminates sections 319(3)(b) and 319(3.1)(b) of the Criminal Code, which previously shielded individuals from hate speech convictions if they expressed good-faith opinions on religious subjects or based on religious texts.
Critics Highlight Threats to Religious Freedom
Conservative MP Andrew Lawton cautions that the changes empower prosecutors to charge people for publicly reading scripture. “Bill C-9 makes it easier for people of faith to face criminal charges over views others find offensive,” Lawton stated. He adds that it weakens protections for freedom of expression and religion by removing the longstanding religious defense.
Lawton points out Liberal concerns that certain Bible passages express hateful views on homosexuality. “The bill opens the door to prosecuting those who quote or reference such sections,” he warns.
The Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council states the measure poses risks to faith communities, including Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Jewish groups. In December 2025, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to amend the bill, noting the exemption has long protected sincere religious expression without animus.
During an October House justice committee hearing, Liberal MP Marc Miller questioned invoking good faith for Bible passages from Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Romans. “These texts contain hateful statements toward homosexuality. They should not serve as a defense,” Miller remarked. On December 10, the committee approved removing the religious defense.
Key Provisions and Safeguards
The bill permits statements believed true on public interest matters, provided they do not promote hatred. Mere discrediting, humiliation, or offense does not meet the hatred threshold.
It introduces hate crime enhancements for offenses motivated by hatred based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Willful promotion of hatred, such as displaying Nazi symbols or those linked to designated terrorists like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Proud Boys, or Tren de Aragua, carries up to two years in prison.
Exceptions apply for journalistic, educational, or artistic purposes, and charges require Attorney General approval. Tattoos may not trigger prosecution, as they do not always indicate membership.
Fraser reaffirms Canada’s commitment to religious freedom: “Canadians can pray, preach, teach, interpret scripture, and express beliefs in good faith without criminal fear,” he stated on December 9.
