US EditionLiberal minister backs Bloc call to eliminate religious exemption for hate speech
The Bloc Québécois and Liberal MPs agreed to remove a religious exemption in hate speech laws amid rising antisemitism and homophobic speech after the Oct. 7 attack.
- Media reported the Liberal Party of Canada and the Bloc Québécois agreed to remove the Criminal Code's religious exemption in Section 319 to advance Bill C-9, with the bill expected to pass the House of Commons justice committee.
- Supporters and opponents of the bill pressured for removal of the Section 319 exemption, citing its role in enabling hate speech, particularly amid ongoing legislative debates.
- Committee work stalled after Conservatives filibustered a two-hour meeting, and Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Leader, vowed opposition while the Christian Legal Fellowship warned repeal risks constitutional integrity.
- Culture Minister Marc Miller expressed support for scrapping the exemption, arguing religion should not escape prosecution, while the justice minister's office said discussing changes before committee review is inappropriate.
46 Articles
46 Articles
Bloc wants Liberal bill amended to remove religious exemption from hate speech laws: source
The Bloc Québécois is planning to introduce an amendment to a Liberal government bill that would remove a religious exemption from Canada’s hate speech laws, a source has told CBC News.
Andrew Lawton: Liberals wage unnecessary war on religious freedom with Bill C-9
The federal Liberals insist their new bill is needed to protect religious Canadians from hate. In reality, it does the opposite -- it will expose people of faith to criminal prosecution for the simple act of quoting their own sacred texts.
Canadian government set to remove religious exemptions from hate-speech laws
Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa. / Credit: Robert Linsdell via Flickr (CC BY 2.0) CNA Staff, Dec 2, 2025 / 18:04 pm (CNA). Legislators in Canada are reportedly poised to strip religious protections from the country’s hate-speech laws as part of... [...]
Tories Say Removal of Religious Defence in Hate-Speech Law Is ‘Assault’ on Freedom of Speech, Religion
Conservatives are reacting negatively to the Liberals reportedly agreeing to a Bloc Québécois demand to remove the religious defence around hate speech in the Criminal Code to secure support for its Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act. Media reports indicate the Liberals and the Bloc are poised to pass the related amendments as the House of Commons justice committee is currently undertaking its review of Bill C-9. Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanche…
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