In a significant development on Parliament Hill, a federal Liberal cabinet minister has publicly endorsed a call from the Bloc Québécois to remove a longstanding religious exemption from Canada's hate speech laws.
Minister Breaks Ranks on Contentious Issue
Marc Miller, the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, voiced his support for the change while speaking to reporters ahead of a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. His comments mark a notable shift in the political discourse surrounding the balance between freedom of religion and the prohibition of hate propaganda.
The existing legal framework provides a specific defence for statements made in good faith based on a religious belief or opinion. The Bloc Québécois argues this exemption can shield harmful rhetoric, and Miller's backing lends considerable weight to their position.
The Legal Landscape and Proposed Change
Current Canadian law criminalizes the wilful promotion of hatred against identifiable groups. However, Section 319(3)(b) of the Criminal Code offers a defence if the statements in question were "relevant to any subject of public interest, the discussion of which was for the public benefit, and if on reasonable grounds he believed them to be true." A further clause specifically protects expressions of religious belief.
The proposed change, now gaining traction with Miller's support, would seek to repeal the subsection that provides a defence for hate speech "if, in good faith, the person expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject." This would effectively place religiously motivated hate speech on the same legal footing as hate speech stemming from other ideologies.
Potential Implications and Next Steps
This move has the potential to ignite a fierce national debate. Proponents argue it is a necessary step to protect vulnerable communities from hateful rhetoric, regardless of its source. Critics, however, are likely to contend it represents an infringement on religious freedom and could chill legitimate theological debate.
Minister Miller's endorsement does not guarantee immediate legislative action, but it signals that the issue has reached the highest levels of government discussion. The Bloc Québécois, which introduced the call, will likely push for it to be included in future government legislation or studied by a parliamentary committee.
The development comes at a time of heightened sensitivity around issues of identity, inclusion, and the limits of free expression in a diverse society. How the Liberal government proceeds with this proposal will be closely watched by civil liberties groups, religious organizations, and legal experts across the country.
