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The Humanist Association of Toronto
http://www.humanisttoronto.ca/

Every Saturday we meet on Zoom to discuss a topic decided upon the previous week. These are topics of humanist interest, from a humanist perspective.

The topic of the discussion will be decided in a prior meeting, usually two weeks in advance. This week’s topic is: Bill C-9: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), Introduced by Catherine Francis

Bill C‑9 is federal legislation designed to strengthen Canada’s response to hate‑motivated behaviour. It was introduced in response to alleged significant increases in hate‑motivated crimes including attacks on religious institutions and targeted violence toward racialized communities. It was presented to the House: March 13, 2026
Summary and Purpose of C‑9
A. Creates new criminal offences related to intimidation and obstruction
The bill makes it a crime to intimidate people or interfere with their ability to enter or use certain types of community or religious spaces, if the purpose is to instill fear and stop them from going about their lawful activities. Protected places include places of worship, cultural and social centres, schools, seniors homes and cemeteries. Cemeteries
B. Adds new offences related to hate symbols and extremist imagery
The bill makes it illegal to publicly display certain designated hate or terrorist symbols when the intention is to promote hatred, with limited exceptions for journalism, education, art, or religion.
C. Makes hate‑motivated crimes a more explicit part of the Criminal Code
D. Speeds up hate‑crime prosecutions
The bill removes the requirement for Attorney General approval before police can lay hate‑crime charges.
A few of the concerns controversies surrounding Bill C-9 are as follows:

  • Overly broad definitions: the Canadian Civil Liberties Association warns that the bill uses vague terms—for example, what constitutes “fear” or “intimidation”—that could be applied too widely. Police or prosecutors could interpret protest activity as intimidation, even when it is peaceful.
  • Protected locations are defined too broadly. The bill covers a wide range of community spaces. It could unintentionally criminalize legitimate demonstrations or public gatherings near these locations.
  • Impact on free expression and protest – the bill could chill dissent, especially around politically sensitive issues.
  • Canada already has laws against mischief, threats, harassment, and intimidation—and that the real issue is enforcement, not a lack of legislation.
  • Uncertain standards for determining intent
    Selected Discussion Questions

  1. Should Canada have "hate crime" laws at all?

  2. Does Bill C‑9 strike an appropriate balance between combating hate and preserving freedom of expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights? Is Bill C-9 likely to survive a Charter challenge?

  3. Does criminalizing the display of certain hate or terrorism symbols potentially set a precedent for restricting symbolic expression more broadly?

  4. How clear and workable is Bill C-9’s definition of “hatred”?

  5. What are the implications of removing the exemption for “sincerely held religious belief” in the offence of inciting hatred? Does this risk criminalizing religious speech?.

  6. Should the requirement for Attorney General consent to lay hate‑propaganda charges be removed?

  7. Will Bill C-9 actually work? Is it likely to reduce antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia or the like?

  8. Does Bill C-9 sufficiently distinguish between intimidation and protected peaceful assembly?

  9. Is the criminal law the best way to combat hate related incidents?

  10. How do humanist values apply to considering "hate crime" laws?

Further Suggested Reading:
Bill C-9: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate ...
Protecting Fundamental Rights — Our Concerns with Bill C-9
The unintended consequences of Bill C-9 - CBA National
Bill C-9 Was Supposed to Fight Hate. Instead, It's Being ...

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BTW: don't be concerned if there are not many RSVP’s. Many HAT members attend regularly but don’t sign up on Meetup. Our online meetings have been very popular with 20-30 attendees.

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