Liberals Support Bloc’s Proposal to Amend Hate Speech Laws

Liberal MPs on the House justice committee supported a Bloc Québécois amendment to remove a religious exemption from Canada’s hate speech laws while discussing Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act. Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet stated the amendment was essential for their support of the bill, which aims to address hate speech and promote accountability. Justice Minister Sean Fraser asserted that the amendment would not criminalize religious texts and emphasized that it targets the willful promotion of hate. The bill, which could include new offences related to hate-related symbols, must pass third reading in the House and go through the Senate before becoming law.