Canada’s Senate has approved controversial legislation that paves the way for the globalist government’s punishment of Christians and others who quote religious texts deemed “hateful” by authorities.
By David Lindfield
Source: Slay News
The bill has been dubbed the “Bible ban” over concerns that it’s been designed to criminalize quotes from sacred Christian scripture under the nation’s “hate speech” laws.
Senators voted 45–13 to pass Bill C-9, titled “An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime, and access to religious or cultural places).”
Two senators abstained, while 35 were absent for the vote.
The bill now returns to the House of Commons because it was passed with amendments.
If the House approves those changes, the legislation will proceed to Royal Assent and become law.
Religious Exemption Removed Despite Warnings
At the center of the controversy is the bill’s repeal of Section 319(3)(b) of Canada’s Criminal Code.
That provision currently protects the good-faith expression of religious beliefs based on religious texts, including the Holy Bible.
Critics argue that removing the exemption could expose pastors, churches, faith leaders, and ordinary Canadians to prosecution for expressing traditional religious teachings that government officials determine constitute “hate.”
Last-minute amendments proposed by Conservative senators aimed at addressing concerns raised by religious groups were ultimately rejected.
Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) condemned the Senate’s approval of the legislation.
“This is a dark day for religious freedom and free speech in Canada,” said Jeff Gunnarson, national president of CLC.
“The passage of this deeply troubling legislation, however, will not stop us from speaking the Word of God, even when biblical truths are increasingly being labelled as hateful by those who are hostile to Christianity.
“God will not be mocked.
“We will continue to proclaim His Word.”
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Faith Leaders and Constitutional Experts Sound Alarm
The legislation was introduced last year by Justice Minister Sean Fraser.
Constitutional experts have criticized the bill, warning that it could empower government authorities and law enforcement to pursue individuals accused of expressing views that others perceive as hateful.
Religious leaders and faith organizations have also raised concerns about the legislation’s implications for freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
The removal of the religious exemption prompted criticism from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, which issued an open letter opposing the measure and calling for its repeal.
Cardinal Frank Leo, metropolitan archbishop of Toronto, also urged senators to reconsider aspects of the legislation.
In a letter to lawmakers, Leo noted that while the Catholic Church recognizes “the importance of addressing hatred and protecting individuals and communities from violence,” significant changes to the bill were necessary.
Growing Public Backlash
Opposition to Bill C-9 has grown across Canada in recent months.
Hundreds of Canadians gathered outside the offices of Liberal Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office, to protest the legislation.
Some provincial leaders have also voiced concerns.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently warned that she does not want authorities “monitoring” church services in her province as a result of the bill.
Meanwhile, senators recently rejected a separate amendment that would have added criminal penalties for so-called “residential school denialism.”
With Bill C-9 now heading back to the House of Commons, opponents say the fight is far from over and are continuing to urge lawmakers to restore protections for religious expression before the legislation receives final approval.
For critics, the bill represents a significant test of the future of free speech and religious liberty in Canada.