Canada’s Liberal government has successfully passed its proposed anti-hate legislation, Bill C-9, through the House of Commons, marking a significant but contentious step in the country’s approach to combating hate speech and protecting places of worship. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
The legislation, officially titled the Combatting Hate Act, cleared its third reading with 186 votes in favor and 137 against. Support came from the Liberals and the Bloc Québécois, while members of the Conservative Party, the NDP, and the Green Party opposed the measure.
Bill C-9 introduces several new criminal offences aimed at addressing hate-related actions. These include penalties for intimidating individuals or obstructing access to religious institutions. The bill also criminalizes the intentional promotion of hatred through the public display of symbols associated with extremist or terrorist groups, such as Nazi, Hamas, or Hezbollah flags.
A central and controversial element of the bill is an amendment backed by both the Liberals and the Bloc Québécois that removes the longstanding “religious defence” provision in Canada’s Criminal Code. This provision previously shielded individuals from prosecution for promoting hatred if their statements were made in good faith as part of religious expression.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser defended the amendment, arguing that freedom of religion remains fully protected under Section 2(a) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. According to Fraser, removing the religious exemption does not weaken these protections but instead clarifies the legal framework.
He emphasized that the bill is designed to ensure Canadians can practice their faith without fear of harassment or obstruction, while still preventing harmful and hateful conduct.
To address concerns, the justice committee added language clarifying that individuals may express opinions on matters of public interest including religious, political, or educational views provided they do not wilfully promote hatred against identifiable groups.
Despite these assurances, the amendment has drawn strong criticism from Conservative MPs and various religious organizations. Critics argue that removing the religious defence could infringe on civil liberties and chill free expression.
Conservative MP Andrew Lawton stated that the government pushed the bill forward despite widespread objections from faith communities and civil society groups. Similarly, MP Larry Brock raised concerns that the legislation was altered mid-debate without sufficient scrutiny, calling it a move that raises “serious legal, moral, and constitutional concerns.”
An attempt by Lawton and Brock to send the bill back to committee and reinstate the religious defence was defeated ahead of the final vote.
The bill’s journey through Parliament was marked by delays and procedural tensions. Earlier in March, the Liberal government invoked a motion to limit debate and expedite committee review, a move that opposition parties criticized as heavy-handed.
With its passage in the House of Commons, Bill C-9 will now be reviewed by the Senate, where further debate and potential amendments could still shape its final form.
As the legislation advances, it continues to spark a broader national conversation about the balance between protecting individuals from hate and preserving fundamental freedoms such as religious expression and free speech.
