{"id":38731,"date":"2025-12-09T14:42:44","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T19:42:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/?p=38731"},"modified":"2026-01-27T15:17:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T20:17:12","slug":"bill-c-9-whats-at-stake-for-religious-expression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/legal\/2025\/12\/09\/bill-c-9-whats-at-stake-for-religious-expression\/","title":{"rendered":"Bill C-9: What\u2019s at Stake for Religious Expression?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"pps-series-post-details pps-series-post-details-variant-classic pps-series-post-details-38706\" data-series-id=\"761\"><div class=\"pps-series-meta-content\"><div class=\"pps-series-meta-text\">This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/series\/proposed-criminal-code-amendments-that-could-impact-good-faith-religious-expression\/\">Bill C-9<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>UPDATE (December 11)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to a December 10 report from&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.catholicregister.org\/item\/3185-committee-approves-to-remove-religious-speech-defence-in-hate-bill\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Catholic Register<\/a><\/em>, the Justice Committee met on December 9 and voted to repeal the good faith religious defence in section 319(3)(b) of the&nbsp;<em>Criminal Code<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This development is deeply troubling\u2014especially in light of earlier comments from the former Justice Committee Chair suggesting that certain passages of the Bible are \u201cclearly hateful.\u201d The good faith religious defence exists precisely to prevent such interpretations from becoming the basis of criminal prosecution. As the Supreme Court of Canada explained in&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/canlii.ca\/t\/1fsr1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">R v Keegstra<\/a><\/em>, [1990] 3 SCR 697, the defence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>helps \u201cmake the scope of wilful promotion of hatred more explicit,\u201d signalling that genuine religious expression will not be swept into the offence; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ensures that \u201cpeople engaging in borderline cases will not be subject to criminal liability for expressing unpopular views\u201d (see&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/canlii.ca\/t\/jlcvr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">R v Whatcott<\/a>,&nbsp;<\/em>2021 ONSC 8077 at para. 30, citing&nbsp;<em>Keegstra<\/em>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The defence is also a constitutional safeguard. As&nbsp;<em>Keegstra<\/em>&nbsp;notes, it reduces the danger that section 319(2) becomes \u201coverbroad or unduly vague,\u201d and draws a clearer line between the \u201crough and tumble of public debate\u201d and genuinely hateful expression directed at identifiable groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further, and importantly, the defence is narrowly applied. Courts have made clear that religious opinion cannot \u201cbe used with impunity as a Trojan Horse to carry the intended message of hate forbidden by s. 319\u201d (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/canlii.ca\/t\/1f82f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">R v Harding<\/a>,<\/em>&nbsp;at para. 47). It protects sincere religious expression\u2014not hateful conduct disguised as such.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to&nbsp;<em>The Catholic Register<\/em>, the government has stated that the amendment will \u201cin no way, shape or form prevent a religious leader from reading their religious texts\u201d and \u201cwill not criminalize faith.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Minister of Justice and Attorney General has <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SeanFraserMP\/status\/1998484724482756970?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">committed to engaging<\/a> &#8220;with religious leaders, legal experts, and civil-liberties organizations to reinforce&#8221; the government&#8217;s commitment to &#8220;ensuring that good-faith religious expression remains fully protected.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If that is truly the government\u2019s intention, it raises an obvious question: Why remove a defence designed precisely to protect good faith religious expression?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CCCC will continue to advocate against the removal of this important safeguard for all Canadians engaging in good-faith religious expression. If your organization is concerned about this development, we encourage you to request a meeting with your local MP to share about your organization, how this change will impact you, and why you are concerned. For more information see the section &#8220;What&#8217;s Next for Bill C-9?&#8221; in the original post below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ORIGINAL POST<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public discussion about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parl.ca\/LegisInfo\/en\/bill\/45-1\/C-9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bill C-9, the <em>Combatting Hate Act<\/em><\/a>, has intensified in recent days, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ourcommons.ca\/documentviewer\/en\/45-1\/house\/sitting-67\/hansard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">heated debate in the House of Commons<\/a>. Some of this debate concerns the Bill itself, which has drawn criticism, including from civil liberties organizations. But more attention now centres on a proposed amendment that would remove the good faith religious defence from the Criminal Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although this defence is rarely invoked, it plays a meaningful role in ensuring that sincere expressions of religious belief are not mistakenly captured by hate-speech laws. In an effort to pass Bill C-9 as a whole, removing the defence has become a tool of political negotiation. Its proposed removal raises important questions for faith communities and for anyone concerned about free expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This overview explains what Bill C-9 would change, why the proposed amendment is generating concern, and what comes next in the legislative process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Bill C-9 Would Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bill C-9 proposes several changes to hate crimes in the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>. It creates four new offences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wilfully promoting hatred by using certain symbols<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A new \u2018add-on\u2019 hate offence if convicted of any other offence and that was motivated by hate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intimidating a person from accessing certain places, including places of worship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intentionally obstructing or interfering with a person\u2019s access to a certain place, including places of worship<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Bill C-9 would also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remove the requirement that the Attorney General consent to prosecuting hate propaganda offences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduce a new statutory definition of hatred: &#8220;the emotion that involves detestation or vilification and that is stronger than disdain or dislike&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why These Proposed Changes Raise Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Christians are called to love our neighbours as ourselves, speak graciously, account for any careless words we may speak, and to both love and pray for our enemies. These commitments should keep us attuned to concerns about hateful conduct such as the troubling rise in antisemitism (see, e.g. the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/canadian-heritage\/services\/canada-holocaust\/antisemitism\/memory-truth-responsibility.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Special Envoy for Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism Annual Report, <em>Memory, Truth and Responsibility<\/em><\/a>). But we also need to carefully consider how the criminal law already addresses hateful speech and whether new offences would be necessary or effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>already includes offences such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Public incitement of hatred<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wilful promotion of hatred<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wilful promotion of antisemitism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mischief<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mischief relating to religious property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intimidation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uttering threats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Criminal harassment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Municipal bylaws also address conduct that, for example, impermissibly blocks roadways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When existing offences exist that substantively address the concerns, the issue becomes a question of enforcement. If current tools aren\u2019t effectively used, what promise is there that duplicative new ones will? In this case, no analysis is offered to identify how existing provisions are inadequate, how they could be improved, or why a lack of enforcement could be contributing to the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Criminal offences must be drafted narrowly and precisely, particularly when <em>Charter<\/em> freedoms such as expression and religion are engaged. Courts have repeatedly emphasized and affirmed that free expression is essential to a free and democratic society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, Bill C-9\u2019s proposed definition of \u2018hatred\u2019 is broader than the definition articulated by the Supreme Court of Canada and removes the term from its all-important context as found in those decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Good Faith Religious Defence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The good faith religious defence is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ca\/laws\/stat\/rsc-1985-c-c-46\/latest\/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#sec319subsec3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">one of four defences<\/a> specific to the crime of wilful promotion of hatred. It applies when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201c\u2026in good faith, the person expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Other defences in the section include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A defence of truth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statements in the public interest for the public benefit that the speaker believed on reasonable grounds to be true<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statements that point out hateful matters for the purposes of removal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the good faith defence is seldom argued, courts have been clear: it does not shield expression that otherwise meets the high legal threshold for wilful promotion of hatred. Instead, it ensures that the offence is not applied so broadly that it captures sincere efforts to communicate or interpret religious beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ourcommons.ca\/DocumentViewer\/en\/45-1\/JUST\/meeting-11\/evidence#Int-13212891\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">statements made during Justice Committee hearings<\/a> illustrate its importance. Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Romans were described as \u201cpassages with clear hatred\u201d and that \u201cthere are situations in these texts where statements are hateful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But as the Supreme Court of Canada explained, a \u201cbiblical passage, in and of itself, cannot be taken as inspiring detestation and vilification\u201d, which are the essential elements of hate offences (<a href=\"https:\/\/canlii.ca\/t\/fw8x4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>R v Whatcott<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em>2013 SCC 11 at para 199). The defence provides a necessary safeguard that prevents religious texts and sincere theological discussion from being criminalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commentators across the political spectrum have raised similar concerns. As one op-ed <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalpost.com\/opinion\/changes-to-bill-c-9-arent-combating-hate-theyre-criminalizing-faith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sharply wrote<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>It&#8217;s dangerous for politicians to believe they can use statutes to sanitize scripture they don&#8217;t even properly understand. Criminal law is the state&#8217;s most violent instrument. It should not be swung at the human soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bible is the most banned book in history, precisely because it is powerful and points to an authority beyond the reach of the government. A government that fears religious speech is not fighting extremism \u2013 it\u2019s fighting competition.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CCCC\u2019s Submissions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the proposed amendment grabbed headlines, CCCC&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ourcommons.ca\/Content\/Committee\/451\/JUST\/Brief\/BR13779785\/br-external\/CanadianCentreForChristianCharities-e.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">urged the Justice Committee to retain the defence<\/a>. Our submission explained that biblical texts are not \u201cclearly hateful\u201d, and mutually exclusive truth claims or ideas that some may find offensive (Matt. 10:22; John 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 1:18) are a necessary part of living in a free and democratic society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CCCC is also reaching out to the Minister of Justice and other elected officials to express our deep concern, seek clarification about the legal and constitutional bases of the proposed amendment, and advocate for the continued protection of good-faith religious expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s Next for Bill C-9?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bill C-9 is currently before <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ourcommons.ca\/committees\/en\/JUST\/StudyActivity?studyActivityId=13154115\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the House Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights<\/a>. The Committee last met on November 27, 2025; the meeting scheduled for December 4, 2025, was cancelled by the Committee Chair. As of December 8, no future meetings have been set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The House of Commons is scheduled to sit until <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ourcommons.ca\/en\/sitting-calendar\/2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Friday, December 12, 2025<\/a> and will resume on&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ourcommons.ca\/en\/sitting-calendar\/2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">January 26, 2026<\/a>. CCCC will continue to closely monitor developments and provide updates if new information becomes available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are looking for more information, our friends at the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) have drafted a <a href=\"https:\/\/files.evangelicalfellowship.ca\/si\/Abuse\/Bill-C-9-Good-Faith-Religious-Defense.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">backgrounder<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/files.evangelicalfellowship.ca\/si\/Abuse\/Talking-Points-for-Good-Faith-Religious-Defense-Nov-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">key talking points<\/a> about the good faith religious defence. If you decide to reach out to your local Member of Parliament (MP), we encourage you to take the opportunity to have a conversation: introduce yourself, your ministry, describe what you do in and for your community, and ask how you can pray for your MP. That will provide helpful context for any concerns you may have about Bill C-9 and the proposal to remove the good faith religious defence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"pps-series-post-details pps-series-post-details-variant-classic pps-series-post-details-38706 pps-series-meta-excerpt\" data-series-id=\"761\"><div class=\"pps-series-meta-content\"><div class=\"pps-series-meta-text\">This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/series\/proposed-criminal-code-amendments-that-could-impact-good-faith-religious-expression\/\">Bill C-9<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><p>UPDATE (December 11) According to a December 10 report from The Catholic Register, the Justice Committee met on December 9 and voted to repeal the good faith religious defence in section 319(3)(b) of the Criminal Code. This development is deeply troubling\u2014especially in light of earlier comments from the former Justice Committee Chair&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/legal\/2025\/12\/09\/bill-c-9-whats-at-stake-for-religious-expression\/\" class=\"linkbutton\">More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":38733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ts_fic_featured_image_caption":"A partial image of an open Bible. The Bible is open to Romans 5 and 6, with only the left-hand page visible. A ribbon bookmark dangles across the page and a shadow obscures the very bottom left-hand corner. Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@danieldaymedia?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText\">Daniel Day Media<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/opened-bible-vuhCiLvsHuI?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a>       ","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[137],"tags":[437,759,138,141],"series":[761],"class_list":["post-38731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-advocacy","tag-c-9","tag-law-and-religion","tag-religious-freedom","series-proposed-criminal-code-amendments-that-could-impact-good-faith-religious-expression"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bill C-9: What\u2019s at Stake for Religious Expression? - CCCC Blogs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore how Bill C-9 and a proposed amendment may affect hate-speech laws, religious expression, and the good faith religious defence.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/legal\/2025\/12\/09\/bill-c-9-whats-at-stake-for-religious-expression\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bill C-9: What\u2019s at Stake for Religious Expression? 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