Catholics are invited to take action as concerns intensify over the federal government's proposed Bill C-9 and its potential impact on religious freedom.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued an open letter Dec. 4 to Prime Minister Mark Carney, urging the government to halt its plan to remove the long-standing religious-text exemption from Canada's hate-speech laws. The letter was also sent to key federal officials. Catholic leaders warn that eliminating this protection could place legitimate religious teaching and pastoral ministry at risk.
Read Canadian Bishop's Letter to Prime Minister
Why This Matters
The proposed amendment would repeal Criminal Code clause 319(3)(b), which currently ensures that individuals cannot be convicted of hate-speech offences for expressing, in good faith, opinions rooted in Scripture or religious belief.
Multiple faith communities have expressed unified alarm. They caution that removing this defence could chill ordinary religious speech and create uncertainty for homilies, catechesis, pastoral counselling, marriage preparation, youth ministry, and online evangelization.
What You Can Do Right Now
Tell your MP your concerns about how the amendment could affect preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and the Church's public witness, or send your MP the link to the Canadian Bishops' letter. Even a brief message makes a difference. Constituency offices track every call and email.