Canadian bill would remove religious exemption from 'hate speech' laws, critics warn

By Ian M. Giatti, Christian Post Reporter
Thursday, March 07, 2024

Christians say quoting Scripture could be criminalized if legislation passes.
Lawmakers in Canada are considering legislation which, if passed, could criminalize the act of quoting Scripture in defense of biblical marriage, sexuality and other Christian views.

The proposed Bill C-367, currently under review in the House of Commons, would repeal “religious exemption” in Section 319 of the Canadian Criminal Code, which critics say could open up Christians and other religious groups to “hate speech” charges over any comments or criticisms of the LGBT movement.

Bill C-367 specifically targets Paragraph 319(3)‍(b) and Paragraph 319(3.‍1)‍(b) of the Criminal Code, which prohibits any conviction on hate speech charges if “in good faith, the person expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text.”

If the religious exemption is removed, any religious or faith-based expression that refutes or condemns gender ideology, child sexualization, and other similar topics could potentially be deemed by Canadian courts as “hate speech” and lead to criminal prosecution for Christians and other religious groups.

Introduced by Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet in November, Bill C-367 has only an initial reading in the House of Commons, and it’s unclear when or if the legislation will advance.

Read Further:

Canadian bill would remove religious exemption from 'hate speech' laws, critics warn

Lawmakers in Canada are considering legislation which, if passed, could criminalize the act of quoting Scripture in defense of biblical marriage, sexuality and other Christian views

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[1LoverofGod]

 

[Cheeky200386]

Not shocked at all. This is where the world is headed. It’s only a matter of time. I just pray I don’t have to see my children go through evil/torture in front of me. I couldn’t bear it.

 

[Margery]

Not to be pessimistic or anything but knowing my country, there isn't a chance of stopping this one. It will likely succeed. Trudeau will be grateful it came from the Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet instead of his own party. He can agree with it and look like he's not the one leading the charge against Christians. It will look like it's supposed to inhibit Muslim calls to behead non muslims but it will be used against Christians. That's the way it works up here. The Conservatives under Poiléivre will oppose it, but if the Liberals (Trudeau), the Bloc Q, the NDP and the Greens are supporting it, it will pass.

That way Trudeau can score points for appearing to oppose Islamic terrorism while really squashing the Christians (most of whom don't vote for him anyway).