Canadian House of Commons passes ‘hate speech’ bill that would remove religious protections

On Wednesday, the Canadian House of Commons passed Bill C-09, also known as the “Combatting Hate Act,” in a 186-137 party-line vote. Supported by the Liberal and Bloc Québécois parties and opposed by the Conservatives, NDP, and Green parties, the bill creates stricter penalties for offenses motivated by hatred against protected groups. It defines hatred as an “intense and extreme” emotion associated with vilification and prohibits conduct intended to block access to religious sites, schools, or senior residences. While the legislation includes a clause protecting statements made on matters of public interest—provided they do not willfully promote hatred or Holocaust denial—it moves to repeal a specific section of the Criminal Code that protects individuals who express religious opinions or arguments based on religious texts in “good faith.”

This repeal has sparked significant backlash from religious freedom advocates and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). Critics, including CCCB President Rev. Pierre Goudreault, argue that removing the “good faith” defense eliminates a vital safeguard that prevents the criminal prosecution of sincere religious expression. In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Goudreault warned that the change creates legal uncertainty for clergy and educators, potentially leading to a “chilling effect” where traditional doctrinal teachings are misinterpreted as hate speech. Although the bill has cleared the House, it must still be approved by the Canadian Senate, which is scheduled to return to session on April 14.

THOSE WHO STOOD WITH THE WORD: Powerful footage from the March 25th vote on C-9 in the House of Commons. These are the MPs who stood in defence of religious freedoms.

HOW DID EACH MEMBER VOTE