In Ottawa, Liberal Party and Bloc Québécois MPs, in a 186–137 vote, passed Bill C-9, known as the “Combatting [sic] Hate Act.” Conservative, NDP, and Green Party MPs voted against the bill, a rare display of unity among the parties who normally oppose not the the Liberals and BQ, but each other.
Among other things, it is believed that this legislation, now going to the Canadian Senate (generally known for rubberstamping everything passed by Commons), will criminalize merely reading out loud or quoting many passages in the Bible and other religious books. All that is needed is for a single person to file a complaint. (We’ve seen this happen in the UK.)
Two stories from the website LifeSiteNews.com detail this story. The passage of the House of Commons bill C-9 rightly alarms many people. Conservatives and others in Parliament have condemned the bill as destroying the rights of Canadians and visitors, calling it a dark day for Canada. We strongly agree.
One MP noted that when this outrage passes, “people could be criminally charged just for reading certain passages of scripture.” Another correspondent, with years in Alberta but now in Ontario told us here at TPOL, “Canada is lost.”
The law does not apply to just christians or even just to religion. Although it is abortion opponents that are most reporting this, anything that can be construed as “hateful” is targeted. Something snarky or able to be twisted, when said or written about immigrants, poor people, wealthy people, or even foreigners, might be enough. Karens or Mrs. Grundy types will have little problem finding cops, crown prosecutors, judges, and even juries willing to push. And no doubt convinced that they are “preserving democracy” and ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion is being upheld.
A major point of contention is the removal of the long-standing religious exemption from Canada’s hate speech laws. Previously, people expressing opinions on religious subjects in good faith were protected from prosecution. Bill C-9 repeals this defense, raising concerns that religious instructors and preachers could face criminal charges for publicly teaching or discussing traditional religious beliefs. There is also an issue regarding actual congregations or denominations with doctrines that can be construed as hateful. Can entire congregations or other religious organizations be charged, convicted, and outlawed for such things? Can entire books be banned? For example, the Koran? The Bible? Pearl of Great Price? Or others?
If you have Canadian relatives, friends, or even acquaintances, urge them to contact and tell their senators what a mess this is. Not that we have much hope of success.
One reason for this is also in the news today: the CEO of Air Canada has been fired after the crash at LaGuardia Airport in NY. Not because of the actual crash and fatalities, but because he failed to express his condolences in both French and English. Clearly he hates anyone who speaks the “other” language!
We leave this commentary with an important question: when will Canadians realize that the tyranny must be fought? When politeness is no longer enough?
About TPOL Nathan
Follower of Christ Jesus (a christian), Pahasapan (resident of the Black Hills), Westerner, Lover of Liberty, Free-Market Anarchist, Engineer, Army Officer, Husband, Father, Historian, Writer, Evangelist. Successor to Lady Susan (Mama Liberty) at TPOL.
The Price of Liberty 
Canadian government accelerates religious persecution
In Ottawa, Liberal Party and Bloc Québécois MPs, in a 186–137 vote, passed Bill C-9, known as the “Combatting [sic] Hate Act.” Conservative, NDP, and Green Party MPs voted against the bill, a rare display of unity among the parties who normally oppose not the the Liberals and BQ, but each other.
Among other things, it is believed that this legislation, now going to the Canadian Senate (generally known for rubberstamping everything passed by Commons), will criminalize merely reading out loud or quoting many passages in the Bible and other religious books. All that is needed is for a single person to file a complaint. (We’ve seen this happen in the UK.)
Two stories from the website LifeSiteNews.com detail this story. The passage of the House of Commons bill C-9 rightly alarms many people. Conservatives and others in Parliament have condemned the bill as destroying the rights of Canadians and visitors, calling it a dark day for Canada. We strongly agree.
One MP noted that when this outrage passes, “people could be criminally charged just for reading certain passages of scripture.” Another correspondent, with years in Alberta but now in Ontario told us here at TPOL, “Canada is lost.”
The law does not apply to just christians or even just to religion. Although it is abortion opponents that are most reporting this, anything that can be construed as “hateful” is targeted. Something snarky or able to be twisted, when said or written about immigrants, poor people, wealthy people, or even foreigners, might be enough. Karens or Mrs. Grundy types will have little problem finding cops, crown prosecutors, judges, and even juries willing to push. And no doubt convinced that they are “preserving democracy” and ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion is being upheld.
A major point of contention is the removal of the long-standing religious exemption from Canada’s hate speech laws. Previously, people expressing opinions on religious subjects in good faith were protected from prosecution. Bill C-9 repeals this defense, raising concerns that religious instructors and preachers could face criminal charges for publicly teaching or discussing traditional religious beliefs. There is also an issue regarding actual congregations or denominations with doctrines that can be construed as hateful. Can entire congregations or other religious organizations be charged, convicted, and outlawed for such things? Can entire books be banned? For example, the Koran? The Bible? Pearl of Great Price? Or others?
If you have Canadian relatives, friends, or even acquaintances, urge them to contact and tell their senators what a mess this is. Not that we have much hope of success.
One reason for this is also in the news today: the CEO of Air Canada has been fired after the crash at LaGuardia Airport in NY. Not because of the actual crash and fatalities, but because he failed to express his condolences in both French and English. Clearly he hates anyone who speaks the “other” language!
We leave this commentary with an important question: when will Canadians realize that the tyranny must be fought? When politeness is no longer enough?
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About TPOL Nathan
Follower of Christ Jesus (a christian), Pahasapan (resident of the Black Hills), Westerner, Lover of Liberty, Free-Market Anarchist, Engineer, Army Officer, Husband, Father, Historian, Writer, Evangelist. Successor to Lady Susan (Mama Liberty) at TPOL.