03/08/2026
It is important for all people in Canada, especially members of the Christian Church, to know about Bill C-9. Bill C-9 seeks to amend parts of the Criminal Code related to hate crimes and hate speech. While the bill has the good intention of curbing hatred, it could have dangerous consequences for freedom of religion.
The bill has passed through first and second readings in the House of Commons and is now being studied by the Justice and Human Rights Committee. When bills are studied in committee, there is debate and amendments are made to refine the bill and ensure there are no errors or problems.
While the Justice and Human Rights Committee was studying Bill C-9, an amendment was made—and passed by the committee—to remove an existing safeguard in the Criminal Code (section 319(3)(b)). That clause currently states that a person cannot be convicted of promoting hatred if they were “in good faith… expressing an opinion on a religious subject or based on a belief in a religious text.” If Bill C-9 passes with this change, then anyone who expresses an opinion on a religious subject based on their belief or based on a religious text could potentially be criminally liable if that opinion is considered hate speech.
The major update this weekend is that the government is looking to put forward several motions in the House of Commons this week to shut down debate in committee, limit debate in the House of Commons, and move the bill to the Senate by Friday. The bill could then pass through the Senate and become law.
Pray for wisdom for those who govern our country. Pray that God would deliver us from evil.
Pray that Canada will continue to protect freedom of conscience and religion.
Pray that the Church will remain faithful in proclaiming Christ with both truth and love.
And above all, we remember the promise of God:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… and when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned.” (Isaiah 43:2)
No law, government, or cultural moment can separate Christ from His Church. Whatever happens in our country, our Lord reigns, and His Word endures forever.