An Update on Bill C-9
Earlier this month, the government passed legislation to fast-track passage of Bill C-9. It is now likely that the bill will be debated and passed by the House of Commons next week (March 23). This means that there is little time to make your voice heard.
If you have not already done so, please email your member of parliament by using our special email tool [link]. The government has already changed the bill in response to the concerns raised by faith groups and many, many others. However, these changes are not enough, and we are calling on the government to restore the so-called “good faith religious defense” that made it absolutely clear that reading holy texts and participating in a community of faith would never be construed as hate speech. With this provision removed from the criminal code, we worry that there will be a chilling effect on freedom of speech and conscience in Canada.
Learn more about the latest from the EFC here.
Bill C-9 aims to address hate crimes by amending the Criminal Code to add new offences and remove barriers to prosecution. Undoubtedly, hate is wrong, causes real harm in society, and must be confronted. It is because the combat of hatred is so important that we need to ensure that these efforts are both effective and constitutionally sound.
On that front, Centre Street Church and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) support the bill’s intent to address anti-religious threats and violence, ensuring adherents can access religious facilities without hindrance or intimidation.
However, the bill extends into areas of expression in ways that could unjustifiably infringe on Charter-protected free speech rights.
Section 319(2) of the Criminal Code currently provides four defences to the offence of willful promotion of hatred, including a “good faith” defence. It creates a defence for expression that might otherwise be deemed hateful, if it is based on a “good faith” interpretation of a religious text. This helps to ensure the hate provisions aren’t used to silence or suppress religious beliefs that others may find objectionable or offensive. A recent amendment that sought to add clarity has done little to assure us or other faith groups that the legislation will not have this effect.
Bill C-9, as currently written, would remove that defence. This may result in more investigations, charges, prosecution and convictions, for speech – including online—that the government deems hateful.
Furthermore, Bill C-9 would remove the requirement for provincial attorney general approval before laying hate-crime charges, potentially allowing police to pursue cases even when there is little chance of conviction. The bill would allow private individuals to file complaints, potentially subjecting churches and pastors to lengthy and expensive legal proceedings, even when the risk of substantial penalties is minimal.
The proposal to remove the good faith religious belief defence is being put on the table at a time when minority religious beliefs on marriage, sexuality and gender are increasingly marginalized and frequently described as hateful.
Last but not least, removing this defence would further marginalize religious minority communities, at a minimum. It would give the perception that beliefs grounded in religious texts are less protected.
What can you do?
Bill C-9 will likely be discussed during the winter or spring of 2026, and we encourage you to contact your MP and voice your concerns about the religious belief defense. Use the email generator template below to contact your MP and share your concerns about Bill C-9.
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