Canada passes controversial “hate speech” law: critics say it threatens freedom of speech and religion

The Canadian House of Commons has passed the controversial Bill C-9, the Combating Hate Act, which critics say could curtail freedom of speech and criminalize certain religious expressions, including quoting the Bible.

The bill was passed by 186 votes to 137.

The bill was sponsored by the Liberal Party and the Bloc Québécois. The Conservative Party, the New Democratic Party, and the Green Party opposed the bill, a rare example of a united stance among these political forces.

The law has been controversial because of its provisions on so-called “hate speech.” Critics say the new rules could allow people to be persecuted for their religious beliefs or for making statements about family, gender, or sexual orientation.

Of particular concern was the removal of a provision from the bill that would have made a separate exception for religious expressions.

Religious organizations and conservative circles have spoken out against the document.

Pastor David Cook, a representative of the Campaign Life Coalition, said that the adoption of the law could become a basis for the persecution of believers.

“This opens the way for real persecution under the guise of legality,” he stressed.

According to Cook, the law could give state authorities the opportunity to interpret certain religious expressions as manifestations of “hate speech.”

Former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Andrew Scheer also criticized the document.

“This is a black day for freedom of speech in Canada,” he wrote on the social network X.

Scheer accused the government of trying to hide restrictions on freedom of speech under the guise of public safety legislation.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, which called for the return of the clause protecting freedom of religion, also criticized the bill.

Some constitutional experts also warn that the new rules could create a risk of prosecution for statements that are interpreted as offensive or hurtful.

Despite passing the House of Commons, the bill still needs to be considered by the Senate of Canada.

The discussion around C-9 has already become part of a broader debate in Western countries about the limits of freedom of speech, the fight against hate speech, and the right to freely practice religion.