As a Canadian Muslim, we're deeply invested in teaching and living by the values from the Qur’an and Sunnah—compassion, charity, and service to others. Within our community, we express our heritage and identity through peaceful traditions such as wearing the kufiya, a cultural scarf that holds significant meaning. Our commitment to sharing these values is driven by a desire to foster understanding and harmony.

However, recent discussions around the potential removal of the good-faith religious defense from Bill C-9 have raised concerns. The Criminal Code currently includes a provision known as "good-faith religious defense," which safeguards those who express opinions on religious matters in good faith. This defense is grounded in sacred scripture or sincerely held religious beliefs and is essential for minority communities across Canada. Canadians have long cherished protections for both freedom of religion and freedom of expression, which are enshrined within the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The removal or alteration of this defense could disproportionately impact religious communities who honor their faith peacefully and respectfully. It places individuals at risk of complaints or legal action for simply engaging in religious discussion or expression, even when there is no harmful intent. For communities like ours, maintaining this defense is critical in ensuring we can continue to teach and engage with our faith traditions without fear or uncertainty.

Many Canadians support robust laws to address genuine malign actions; however, these laws must not stifle good-faith religious expression. Our country is celebrated for its diversity and commitment to human rights, and this defense is a crucial part of that commitment. It assures religious communities that they can engage in honest dialogues without fear of retribution or misinterpretation.

We urge you to join us in calling upon lawmakers and relevant authorities to preserve the good-faith religious defense within Bill C-9. Let us come together to protect religious freedom for all Canadians and safeguard the freedoms that form the cornerstone of our nation. Sign this petition to show your support for maintaining a legal framework that respects and defends religious expression in its many forms.