What does the passage of Bill C-9 mean for religious freedoms in Canada? The bill, known as the Combatting Hate Act, has advanced to the Senate after a contentious vote in the House of Commons, where it passed with 186 votes in favor and 137 against.
This legislation criminalizes intimidation and obstruction outside establishments used by faith-based groups and bans the intentional flaunting of certain terrorism or hate symbols in public. Notably, it repeals the good faith religious speech defense from Canada’s hate speech laws, a move that has sparked significant backlash.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser has assured that the new legislation will not criminalize faith, stating, “The new legislation won’t criminalize faith.” However, critics argue that the removal of the religious exemption poses a serious threat to religious freedoms. The Conservatives, NDP, and Green Party MP Elizabeth May were among those who dissented against the bill.
Over 350 Muslim organizations and leaders from various religious communities have expressed their opposition to the removal of the religious-text defense, highlighting concerns about the implications for free speech and religious expression. Bishop Pierre Goudreault remarked, “The elimination of the religious-text defence raises significant concerns as it has served for many years as an essential safeguard.”
The Bloc Québécois made the amendment to remove the religious exemption a non-negotiable condition for their support of the bill. This political maneuvering has intensified the debate surrounding the legislation.
On March 25, 2026, the House of Commons voted against a proposition to stop the third reading of the bill, with 188 votes against and 125 in favor. The Senate is expected to begin studying Bill C-9 on April 14, following the Easter recess, where further discussions and potential amendments may take place.
As the Senate prepares to review the bill, the implications for various faith communities remain a pressing concern. David Cooke, a pro-life advocate, warned, “With the passage of Bill C-9 in the House, Christians and pro-life advocates will almost certainly face an entirely new level of hostility.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential changes the Senate may propose, but the outcome of this legislation could have lasting effects on the landscape of religious expression in Canada.