Liberals Signal Willingness to Amend Hate Legislation to Protect Religious Texts
Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced on Tuesday that the Liberal government is prepared to amend its controversial hate speech bill to explicitly clarify that reading religious texts does not constitute hate speech. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in Parliament over Bill C-9, which has faced significant opposition from Conservative MPs and religious advocacy groups.
Minister Accuses Conservatives of Parliamentary Obstruction
Fraser expressed frustration with what he characterized as Conservative obstruction tactics during a crucial phase of the legislative process. "It's immensely frustrating at this late stage in the process because we are trying to collaborate," Fraser told reporters outside the weekly cabinet meeting at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
The justice minister's comments followed the suspension of a parliamentary justice committee meeting on Monday, with both Liberal and Conservative MPs citing ongoing negotiations between the two parties. Fraser emerged from these discussions to publicly accuse Opposition Conservatives of deliberately slowing the bill's progress through procedural maneuvers.
Bill C-9 Faces Multiple Controversies
The legislation, formally known as Bill C-9, was originally introduced to create new intimidation and obstruction offences around buildings where identifiable groups gather. However, the bill has become mired in controversy over several key provisions, including its proposed definition of "hate" and the removal of requirements for provincial attorney general consent to lay hate speech charges.
Nearly 40 civil society advocacy groups have called for the bill to be withdrawn entirely, expressing concerns about its potential to infringe on legal protest rights and the ability of police to properly identify when hate symbols are displayed in public to promote hatred.
Religious Defences Removal Sparks Backlash
The most contentious aspect of the legislation emerged when the Liberals struck a deal with the Bloc Quebecois to remove religious defences from sections of the Criminal Code targeting advocating genocide and the wilful promotion of hate. This political arrangement, made to secure the Quebec party's support in the minority Parliament, has drawn fierce opposition from Conservative MPs and religious communities across Canada.
Conservative MPs have hosted town halls warning that removing these religious protections would jeopardize fundamental religious freedoms. Many Christian and Muslim groups have expressed their concerns directly to government officials, with Fraser acknowledging he spent his holiday break hearing from religious community representatives about their apprehensions.
Government Seeks Path Forward Amid Minority Parliament Dynamics
The Liberal government's willingness to amend the bill represents a strategic attempt to navigate the complex dynamics of Canada's minority Parliament. Prime Minister Mark Carney's justice agenda has faced resistance from Opposition Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has been working to avoid providing the government with justification for triggering a snap election.
Fraser emphasized that the Liberals have demonstrated flexibility in addressing concerns about the legislation, particularly regarding the definition of hate and procedural requirements for hate speech charges. The proposed amendments regarding religious texts represent the latest attempt to build consensus around the controversial legislation.
As parliamentary negotiations continue, the fate of Bill C-9 remains uncertain, with the government balancing pressure from civil society groups, religious communities, and political opponents while attempting to advance its justice reform agenda.
