COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – In the name of religious freedom

Bill C-9 has become a major point for discussion for Canadians—except for members of the justice committee, which saw last week’s meeting on Tuesday abruptly cut short and last Thursday’s meeting cancelled altogether. Sadly, this shutdown also halted Conservative intentions to work into the night to repair what is supposed to be the Liberal government’s flagship anti-hate legislation. In its current form, Bill C-9 is deeply problematic.

Public concern, however, is growing. Faith groups and countless constituents have been raising alarms about the bill’s far-reaching implications. As MP Andrew Lawton wrote in the National Post, Bill C-9 would “expose people of faith to criminal prosecution for the simple act of quoting their own sacred texts.”

According to Toronto Star writer Justin Ling, the bill contains three primary sections. The first concerns the policing of religious symbols and icons. The second targets those who impede access to mosques, synagogues, churches, and other religious institutes when there is “intent to provoke a state of fear in a person.” The third expands hate-related offences, giving police broader discretion in laying charges.

It is little surprise that legal scholars and civil-liberty groups are asking for a full redrafting of this bill – especially given that hate-motivated violent crimes are already being prosecuted successfully. Instead of creating safer environments for people of diverse beliefs, Bill C-9 risks deepening stigmatization, polarization, and social division. These concerns existed even before proposed changes— Conservatives have consistently warned.

Then came the reports of an unexpected collaboration with the Bloc Québécois.

According to Bloc justice critic Rhéal Fortin, Justice Minister Sean Fraser personally assured support for a Bloc amendment, in return for the Bloc’s support. In a minority government, having the support of at least one other party is necessary to pass legislation.

The Bloc’s proposed amendment would eliminate the longstanding religious exemption from Canada’s criminal code—an exemption that protects individuals who cite scripture, doctrine, or religious teachings from prosecution when acting in good faith. The Bloc argues that this safeguard only enables homophobia, racial abuse and antisemitism.

They are, of course misguided. As the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops warned in an open letter last week, “the proposed elimination of the good faith religious-text defence raises significant concerns.” The bishops describe the exemption as an “essential safeguard”, already narrow in scope, and caution that removing this exemption could prosecute sincere, truth seekers for up to two years for simply being “grounded in long-standing religious traditions”.

Conservative MP Larry Brock called the Bloc’s proposal, “a profound moral and civil-liberties mistake.”

Likewise, in his National Post article, Conservative MP Lawton warned that C-9 achieves the opposite of what it claims. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists can all “disagree vigorously on questions of morality, sexuality, politics and culture.” In a free society, disagreement does not justify criminalisation. As Lawton notes, “a free country does not criminalize the expression of sincerely held religious doctrines.”

Yet, the Liberal government seems to believe it can stand as arbiter over sacred texts. In a shocking exchange at the Justice Committee, Liberal chair Mark Miller told Christian Legal Fellowship executive director Derek Ross that portions of both the Torah and the Bible contain “clear hatred” in his view—implying that expanded police powers would be justified.

Taken together, Bill C-9 combined with the Bloc’s proposed amendment raise deep concerns. Conservatives remain steadfast in defending religious freedom for all Canadians. While Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet has already threatened political consequences if the government fails to honour what the Bloc says was an agreement, Conservatives remain vigilant

On Monday, the CBC revealed that the arrangement with the Bloc had never been approved by the Prime Minister’s Office, implying that Minister Fraser’s team advanced it independently. Even so, as this article is being written, the National Post is reporting that the Liberals are prepared to accept the Bloc’s proposal. The coming days will determine whether this government stands with Canadians—or with a deal that puts religious freedom at risk.