Explainer: Controversial Hate Crime Bill Just Got Even More Contentious
Fraser said that while there have been “real challenges” to how the UK laws have played out, Bill C-9 is not the same
Epoch Times , Bio and Archives--December 11, 2025
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After political drama lasting several days, the Liberal government sided with the Bloc Québécois to amend its hate crime bill by removing the religious defence to hate speech.
The vote took place at the House of Commons justice committee meeting on Dec. 9, during a clause-by-clause review of Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act.
The Liberals came around after seemingly pulling their support last week, now arguing that the removal of the religious exemption in the Criminal Code will have no impact on freedom of religion.
The price of not supporting the Bloc’s amendment would have been to see Bill C-9 rejected altogether or to have to change it significantly, since it would not have any opposition party support. The Conservatives and the NDP have cited civil liberties concerns in their opposition. ---More...
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