

Protect religious freedom in Bill C-9


Protect religious freedom in Bill C-9
The Issue
I am reaching out to all the members of the Parliament with a heartfelt plea for the protection of religious freedoms in Canada, specifically pertaining to Bill C-9, known as The Combatting Hate Act. As an individual deeply rooted in my faith, I am profoundly concerned about the implications this bill may have on religious communities across the nation.
While the primary intention of Bill C-9 is commendable—aiming to safeguard Canadians from hatred, violence, and discrimination—certain amendments within the bill threaten to undermine the very essence of our Charter rights, which ensure the freedom of belief and expression. These rights are the cornerstones of a democratic society such as ours, where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated.
Canada has long been a beacon of religious tolerance, providing a safe haven for those wishing to practice their beliefs without fear of persecution or interference. For many, faith is not only a personal journey but also a significant element of cultural identity and community cohesion. The proposed amendments threaten to infringe upon these freedoms, potentially leading to unwarranted regulation and monitoring of religious practices, which could set a dangerous precedent for government interference in spiritual matters.
The essence of the issue lies in balancing the need to protect individuals from genuine harm without crossing into territories where freedom of worship and religious expression are unreasonably constrained. I urge policymakers to refine Bill C-9 in a manner that upholds Canadians' safety while equally respecting the liberties of all faith communities. This act should be a protective shield, not a restrictive measure, ensuring both safety and freedom for everyone.
Empirical evidence around the globe illustrates that nations which nurture religious freedoms experience greater social harmony and progress. Conversely, when governments overreach and impose unfair restrictions on religious practices, it often leads to division, mistrust, and unrest within society. Bill C-9, as it stands, could lead to such unintended consequences and disrupt the fragile social fabric that unites us.
I urge those in power to reconsider and revise the amendments of Bill C-9 and safeguard our nation's cherished commitment to religious liberty. Let us work together to ensure that Canada remains an exemplar of true multiculturalism and religious inclusivity.
1. The Repeal of the "Good Faith" Religious Defence (Section 319(3)(b)) The proposed removal of the religious exemption from the Criminal Code is an unprecedented step. For decades, this safeguard has ensured that religious leaders and citizens are not prosecuted for sincerely expressing their beliefs or quoting sacred texts.1 Removing this protection creates a "chilling effect," where clergy may fear criminal charges for simply preaching their traditional doctrines.
2. The Removal of Attorney General Consent for Prosecutions The requirement for Attorney General oversight has historically acted as a vital "gatekeeper" to prevent the justice system from being weaponized for political or frivolous reasons. Removing this oversight allows for inconsistent, local-level prosecutions that could target religious expression before a high-level legal review can occur.
As my representative in Ottawa, I am asking you to:
Oppose the repeal of Section 319(3)(b) and ensure that "good faith" religious expression remains protected in the Criminal Code.
Advocate for the retention of Attorney General consent for all hate propaganda charges.
Propose an amendment clarifying that nothing in Bill C-9 shall be interpreted as interfering with the freedom of religion or expression as guaranteed under Section 2 of the Charter.
Our faith communities are a cornerstone of Canadian society. We deserve a law that protects us from hate without criminalizing our conscience or our scriptures.
I look forward to hearing your position on these specific points and learning how you intend to vote on these amendments.
Please join me in advocating for this critical cause and protect our freedom to worship without undue interference. Sign this petition to make your voice heard and help preserve the fundamental rights that define our Canadian society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bevQJ7c5bBo
Civil society groups call on Liberal government to withdraw hate crime bill – December 3, 2025
https://ccla.org/press-release/civil-society-groups-demand-federal-government-rethink-bill-c-9/
Civil Society Groups Demand Federal Government Rethink Bill C-9
https://canadianlabour.ca/protecting-fundamental-rights-our-concerns-with-bill-c-9/
Protecting Fundamental Rights — Our Concerns with Bill C-9
https://broadview.org/faith-civil-liberties-bill-c9-push/
Canadian faith and civil-liberties leaders push back against Bill C-9
https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/concerns-raised-over-impact-of-bill-c-9/
Concerns raised over impact of Bill C-9

56
The Issue
I am reaching out to all the members of the Parliament with a heartfelt plea for the protection of religious freedoms in Canada, specifically pertaining to Bill C-9, known as The Combatting Hate Act. As an individual deeply rooted in my faith, I am profoundly concerned about the implications this bill may have on religious communities across the nation.
While the primary intention of Bill C-9 is commendable—aiming to safeguard Canadians from hatred, violence, and discrimination—certain amendments within the bill threaten to undermine the very essence of our Charter rights, which ensure the freedom of belief and expression. These rights are the cornerstones of a democratic society such as ours, where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated.
Canada has long been a beacon of religious tolerance, providing a safe haven for those wishing to practice their beliefs without fear of persecution or interference. For many, faith is not only a personal journey but also a significant element of cultural identity and community cohesion. The proposed amendments threaten to infringe upon these freedoms, potentially leading to unwarranted regulation and monitoring of religious practices, which could set a dangerous precedent for government interference in spiritual matters.
The essence of the issue lies in balancing the need to protect individuals from genuine harm without crossing into territories where freedom of worship and religious expression are unreasonably constrained. I urge policymakers to refine Bill C-9 in a manner that upholds Canadians' safety while equally respecting the liberties of all faith communities. This act should be a protective shield, not a restrictive measure, ensuring both safety and freedom for everyone.
Empirical evidence around the globe illustrates that nations which nurture religious freedoms experience greater social harmony and progress. Conversely, when governments overreach and impose unfair restrictions on religious practices, it often leads to division, mistrust, and unrest within society. Bill C-9, as it stands, could lead to such unintended consequences and disrupt the fragile social fabric that unites us.
I urge those in power to reconsider and revise the amendments of Bill C-9 and safeguard our nation's cherished commitment to religious liberty. Let us work together to ensure that Canada remains an exemplar of true multiculturalism and religious inclusivity.
1. The Repeal of the "Good Faith" Religious Defence (Section 319(3)(b)) The proposed removal of the religious exemption from the Criminal Code is an unprecedented step. For decades, this safeguard has ensured that religious leaders and citizens are not prosecuted for sincerely expressing their beliefs or quoting sacred texts.1 Removing this protection creates a "chilling effect," where clergy may fear criminal charges for simply preaching their traditional doctrines.
2. The Removal of Attorney General Consent for Prosecutions The requirement for Attorney General oversight has historically acted as a vital "gatekeeper" to prevent the justice system from being weaponized for political or frivolous reasons. Removing this oversight allows for inconsistent, local-level prosecutions that could target religious expression before a high-level legal review can occur.
As my representative in Ottawa, I am asking you to:
Oppose the repeal of Section 319(3)(b) and ensure that "good faith" religious expression remains protected in the Criminal Code.
Advocate for the retention of Attorney General consent for all hate propaganda charges.
Propose an amendment clarifying that nothing in Bill C-9 shall be interpreted as interfering with the freedom of religion or expression as guaranteed under Section 2 of the Charter.
Our faith communities are a cornerstone of Canadian society. We deserve a law that protects us from hate without criminalizing our conscience or our scriptures.
I look forward to hearing your position on these specific points and learning how you intend to vote on these amendments.
Please join me in advocating for this critical cause and protect our freedom to worship without undue interference. Sign this petition to make your voice heard and help preserve the fundamental rights that define our Canadian society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bevQJ7c5bBo
Civil society groups call on Liberal government to withdraw hate crime bill – December 3, 2025
https://ccla.org/press-release/civil-society-groups-demand-federal-government-rethink-bill-c-9/
Civil Society Groups Demand Federal Government Rethink Bill C-9
https://canadianlabour.ca/protecting-fundamental-rights-our-concerns-with-bill-c-9/
Protecting Fundamental Rights — Our Concerns with Bill C-9
https://broadview.org/faith-civil-liberties-bill-c9-push/
Canadian faith and civil-liberties leaders push back against Bill C-9
https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/concerns-raised-over-impact-of-bill-c-9/
Concerns raised over impact of Bill C-9

56
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on January 16, 2026