Free Speech Under Threat? Christian Groups Slam Canada's Hate Crimes Bill C-9! скачать в хорошем качестве

Free Speech Under Threat? Christian Groups Slam Canada's Hate Crimes Bill C-9!

Canada's proposed "Combatting Hate Act," Bill C-9, has ignited a fierce debate, drawing significant criticism from Christian advocacy groups and conservative political figures, including those at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Opponents of the bill express grave concerns that its provisions, particularly the removal of a long-standing "religious defense" exemption, could inadvertently criminalize legitimate religious expression and stifle free speech. Introduced by the Liberal government in September 2025, Bill C-9 aims to amend the Criminal Code to impose stiffer penalties for promoting hatred, create new offenses for publicly displaying hate symbols, and prohibit intimidation at religious or cultural institutions. Justice Minister Sean Fraser stated that the bill is a response to a rise in hate crimes targeting identifiable groups and is designed to create a "culture of safety, acceptance and inclusion."