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Posted on 06/14/2026 6:39:24 PM PDT by ebb tide
Canada’s Senate in early June approved legislation that removes a decades-old Criminal Code protection for good-faith religious expression based on sacred texts, advancing a measure widely seen by faith communities as a direct threat to the public proclamation of Christian teaching on marriage, sexuality and human nature.
The Combatting Hate Act, known as Bill C-9, cleared the upper house on June 4 by a 45-13 vote, with two abstentions. It now returns to the House of Commons, which passed the bill in March, for final approval of Senate amendments before Royal Assent. Introduced by Justice Minister Sean Fraser, the legislation repeals section 319(3)(b) – a safeguard in place since the 1970s shielding those who, “in good faith”, express opinions on a religious subject or based on belief in a religious text such as the Bible.
This change lies at the centre of intense opposition from Catholic leaders and other faith groups. Cardinal Frank Leo, metropolitan archbishop of Toronto, wrote to senators urging explicit clarification that reading Scripture, preaching and teaching do not constitute the wilful promotion of hatred. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has warned that the removal of this defence risks exposing clergy and laity to prosecution for upholding perennial Church doctrine.
Campaign Life Coalition called the development “a dark day for religious freedom and free speech”, with national president Jeff Gunnarson declaring: “We will continue to proclaim his Word … God will not be mocked.” Hundreds of Canadians protested outside Liberal offices, including the Prime Minister’s, in recent weeks.
The bill introduces new offences for intimidation and obstruction at places of worship, strengthens penalties for hate-motivated crimes and adds symbols such as the noose to prohibited hate displays. Supporters, including the government, insist it targets only wilful promotion of hatred involving detestation or vilification and does not ban Bible reading. Critics counter that removing the explicit statutory defence, coupled with vague thresholds based on “feelings”, invites selective enforcement against traditional Christian moral teaching.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been outspoken, describing aspects of the bill as “terrifying and chilling”. She indicated that her province would not prioritise policing or prosecuting good-faith religious preaching in churches.
The legislation advances amid documented rises in hate incidents, yet faith leaders argue that it undermines the very religious foundations that have shaped Canadian society and the Charter’s guarantees of freedom of religion and expression.
For believers committed to the Church’s historic witness, the removal of long-standing protections signals a further marginalisation of Christian anthropology in public life. The bill’s fate now rests with a final House of Commons vote. Its enactment would mark a notable shift in the legal balance between combating hatred and safeguarding the Church’s ability to teach and preach without fear of criminal sanction.
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Ping
I think what we’re witnessing is a difference between communism and democratic socialism.
Communists burn churches, democrat socialists legislate them away.
Canadians are so nice they’ll prosecute you for speech.
This may accelerate the movement in Alberta to disassociate from Canada.
And of course Islam and the Quran get a complete pass.
Ironically this “Combatting Hate Act” is more likely to generate more hate than it prevents. Trying to take away a person’s to free speech is a perfectly valid reason to hate someone.
As Gandalf read in the mines of Moria: “They are coming.”
If there’s no freedom of conscience, there’s no freedom.
“This may accelerate the movement in Alberta to disassociate from Canada.”
Yes. Almost a new announcement every week from the Ottawa Regime giving an additional reason to vote for Alberta Separation.
This week, religious freedom, next, online mandatory ID.
Stay out of Canada, even if they let you in the place.
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