A private members bill that has been pushed forward by the Bloc Quebecois’s leader, Yves-Francois Blanchet “has faith communities concerned:” MP for Oxford County, Arpan Khanna. The legislation, which is classified under Bill-367, would revoke religious exemption under sections 319 (3)(b) and 319 (3.1)(b) of the Criminal Code. Which are hate speech laws and if passed, groups are concerned it could open them up to criminal prosecution.
“If you look at what’s happening in Canada overall, we’re seeing an attack on our freedoms, we’re seeing an attack on our freedom of speech, we’re seeing an attack on how Canadians can express ourselves, an attack on civil liberates.”
This is brought up with regard to recent legislation, Bill C-11 and Bill C-18, that have been passed.
“There’s always a fear of losing your freedom of expression. Those are fears that we all enjoy, and we must protect.”
Bill 367 has brought up “genuine fear” across all communities and “has competing interests that are not going to be easy to balance:” Jenna McKinnon, a social service sector worker.
“The debate surrounding the bill is reflective of broader issues at play between protecting vulnerable groups from hate speech and also wanting to uphold principles of hate speech and religious freedom.”
Some individuals question the rationale some groups have to the legislation and its infringement on free speech.
“You have the right as it’s written and then you have the different interpretations.”
But most agree with the value of competing views.
“Because difference, disagreeing, difference of opinion, none of those things are necessarily hate speech, it’s the words we chose to use and how we chose to use them.”
Although the introduction of this legislation has sparked controversy from all sides, it is not yet on the order papers and will not be debated anytime soon.
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