The Canadian federal government’s Bill C-9, the “Combatting Hate Act” is a dangerous bill that could be used to protect hate in Canada, not fight against it.
The legislation criminalizes protests against activities happening within certain buildings, regardless of the nature of the activity itself. This means if hateful views or events are being hosted in synagogues, churches, or mosques, people cannot protest them without risk of a prison sentence. This protection is also offered to a list of other buildings – such as sports and cultural spaces, if they are primarily used by an “identifiable” group.
This legislation provides a legal shield to people promoting hateful, harmful or dangerous ideas, as long as they choose the right building to host their events.
In response to this dangerous bill, IfNotNow Toronto, Independent Jewish Voices Canada, Jewish Faculty Network, Jews Say No to Genocide, and United Jewish People’s Order have prepared and delivered a submission to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.