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Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-373

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 05, 2024
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (promotion of hatred or antisemitism)
  • This is a bill called C-373 that is being introduced in the Canadian Parliament. It aims to amend the Criminal Code to remove the defense of expressing an opinion on a religious subject or belief in a religious text when it comes to promoting hatred or antisemitism. The bill has been given its first reading on February 5, 2024. It will come into force 30 days after receiving royal assent.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument in Favor of Bill C-373: One possible steelman argument in favor of Bill C-373 is that it aims to protect vulnerable communities, specifically the Jewish community, from the harmful effects of hate speech and antisemitism. By eliminating the defense of expressing an opinion based on religious beliefs or texts, the bill seeks to ensure that individuals cannot use religion as a shield to promote hatred or antisemitism. This amendment to the Criminal Code recognizes that promoting hatred or antisemitism can have serious consequences, not only for individuals but also for society as a whole. Hate speech can contribute to the marginalization and discrimination of certain groups, leading to a breakdown of social cohesion and potentially inciting violence. By removing the defense of expressing an opinion based on religious beliefs or texts, the bill acknowledges that promoting hatred or antisemitism is not a legitimate exercise of religious freedom. It sends a clear message that inciting hatred or discrimination against any group, including the Jewish community, is not acceptable and will be treated as a criminal offense. Furthermore, this amendment does not infringe upon the right to freedom of expression. It does not prevent individuals from expressing their opinions or engaging in religious discussions. Rather, it specifically targets the promotion of hatred or antisemitism, which goes beyond the boundaries of protected speech. In a diverse and multicultural society, it is crucial to foster an environment of respect and tolerance. By enacting this amendment, Canada demonstrates its commitment to combating hate speech and protecting vulnerable communities from the harmful effects of antisemitism. It sends a strong message that promoting hatred or discrimination based on religious beliefs is not acceptable and will be met with legal consequences.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill C-373: While it is important to address and combat hatred and antisemitism, Bill C-373, which seeks to amend the Criminal Code to eliminate the defense of expressing an opinion based on religious beliefs, raises concerns about freedom of speech and government overreach. This bill undermines the principles of individual liberty and limited government that are central to right-wing ideology. Firstly, freedom of speech is a fundamental right that should be protected, even when it involves expressing unpopular or controversial opinions. By removing the defense of expressing an opinion based on religious beliefs, this bill restricts the ability of individuals to engage in open and honest discussions about religious subjects. It sets a dangerous precedent by allowing the government to determine what is acceptable speech and what is not, which can lead to a chilling effect on free expression. Secondly, this bill expands the power of the government to regulate and control speech, which goes against the principles of limited government. Right-wing ideology emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy and limited state intervention. By criminalizing certain expressions of opinion, the government is overstepping its boundaries and infringing on the rights of individuals to freely express their beliefs, even if those beliefs are controversial or offensive to some. Furthermore, this bill may have unintended consequences by stifling legitimate criticism of religious beliefs or practices. It is essential to have open and robust debates about religious ideas, as it allows for the exploration of different perspectives and the advancement of knowledge. By removing the defense of expressing an opinion based on religious beliefs, individuals may be deterred from engaging in these discussions, leading to a narrowing of intellectual discourse and hindering societal progress. Lastly, it is important to note that existing laws already provide sufficient protection against hate speech and incitement to violence. The Criminal Code already prohibits the promotion of hatred against identifiable groups, including religious groups. By removing the defense of expressing an opinion based on religious beliefs, this bill is redundant and unnecessary, as the existing legal framework adequately addresses the issue of hate speech. In conclusion, while the intention behind Bill C-373 to combat hatred and antisemitism is commendable, it raises concerns about freedom of speech, government overreach, and the stifling of legitimate debate. Right-wing ideology emphasizes the importance of individual liberty and limited government intervention, and this bill undermines these principles. It is crucial to find a balance between protecting individuals from hate speech and preserving the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
House Second Reading
  • Feb. 5, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
House First Reading
  • Feb. 5, 2024, 11 a.m.
  • Passed