451-00377 (Civil and human rights)

The Government of Canada’s commitment to freedom of religion is unwavering and freedom of religion is protected under section 2(a) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. All people in Canada should be able to pray, preach, teach, interpret scripture, and express religious belief in good faith, without fear of violence or other intimidating behaviour.

Canada has faced a troubling rise in hate speech and hate crimes in recent years. To better protect all people in Canada, including how they worship, gather, and practice their faith in their daily lives, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, in the House of Commons on September 19, 2025.

As part of Parliament’s work on this legislation, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights adopted an amendment proposal on December 9, 2025, referred to as the good faith religious opinion defence in the Criminal Code. This discussion has prompted important and healthy debate, reflecting the seriousness with which our democracy treats both freedom of religion and the need to combat hate. Importantly, a review of Canadian jurisprudence shows no reported case in which this defence has been relied upon to acquit someone accused of hate propaganda.

Crucially, Canada’s hate propaganda laws already set a very high threshold. Prosecutors must prove an intent to promote hatred, as defined by the Supreme Court of Canada as extreme, dehumanizing expression that goes far beyond mere offence or disagreement. This ensures that only the most dangerous forms of hate such as speech that vilifies, dehumanizes, or incites harm, are captured by the Criminal Code. Religious sermons, teachings, and expressions made in good faith do not meet this standard and will always remain protected.

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that good faith religious expression remains fully protected. A strong Canada protects every person’s right to worship freely, while ensuring that no one is targeted with acts of extreme hate that threaten public safety or social cohesion.