Community News
Private Members’ Bill could threaten your fundamental freedoms of religion, speech, and expression
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Greetings Toronto Caribbean Newspaper family. I hope you’re all doing well this week, especially with everything that is going on in our world. This week, I want to hear your thoughts on a particular topic that’s been on my mind lately.
It has not really been spoken about much in mainstream media, but I think these recent developments will interest the Caribbean community. One striking aspect that unites the Caribbean community is its deep-rooted connection to religion. Whether it’s the rhythmic beats of gospel music echoing through the air, or the passionate prayers that fill the sanctuaries, Christianity holds a significant place in the hearts of many Caribbean residents. Churches, both grand and humble, stand as beacons of faith, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual strength.
The Caribbean is not just a melting pot of Christian traditions. The region is also home to a vibrant Hindu community, where colorful festivals and intricate ceremonies bring the streets to life. Hinduism has found a home in the Caribbean, weaving its threads into the cultural fabric of the islands.
Islam, too, has left an indelible mark on the Caribbean landscape. Mosques with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea stand as symbols of the Islamic faith. The Muslim community, though a minority, plays an integral role in fostering interfaith understanding and harmony.
Beyond the major world religions, the Caribbean also embraces a diverse range of spiritual practices rooted in African traditions. From Santería in Cuba to Obeah in Jamaica, these syncretic belief systems blend elements of African spirituality with influences from Christianity and indigenous cultures.
Most recently, there was a Bill tabled that will criminalize the open expression of one’s faith within the public sphere, whether it be the physical, or digital public square.
On November 29th, 2023, Bloc Québécois Leader, Quebec MP Yves-François Blanchet, tabled Bill C-367 in the House of Commons. It’s a subject that holds different perspectives and opinions, and I believe it’s essential to gather diverse thoughts to better understand the complexities surrounding it.
I find that people’s opinions can provide valuable insights and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of freedom of speech, and freedom of religious practice. That’s why I’m here today, to invite each one of you to share your thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on this matter.
In MP Yves-François Blanchet motion he states, “Mr. Speaker, it seems to me that a modern Parliament worthy of its name needs to address certain things that we are long overdue in addressing, things that perhaps never should have happened in the first place.
There is a cost to living together and to living in harmony in society. That cost may simply be to refrain from giving inappropriate and undue privileges to people within a society who use them to disturb the peace and harmony, especially if those privileges enable people to sow hatred or wish death upon others based on a belief in some divine power.
That is even more true in a country that claims to be secular or that claims that there is a separation between church and state. That is why it is high time that someone took action.
I would ask the House to quickly support the act to amend the Criminal Code throughout the process in order to prevent the promotion of hatred and antisemitism.”
Now these private members’ bill ((these don’t often become law) could threaten your fundamental Freedoms of Religion, Speech, and Expression.
Just for some background, a private members’ bill is the text of a legislative initiative submitted to Parliament by a Member who is neither a Minister, nor a Parliamentary Secretary, nor the Speaker, nor the Deputy Speaker for approval, and possibly for amendment, before becoming law. Most, but not all bills of this type originate in the House of Commons. Debate on private Members’ bills can take place only during the time set aside for Private Members’ Business
According to MP Blanchet, the aim of this Bill is to “maintain peace” and prevent the misuse of religious beliefs to promote hatred.
The legislation in question would remove Paragraphs 319(3)(b) and 319(3.1)(b) of the Criminal Code, which provides essential legal defenses in order to defend an individual for expressing his, or her religious beliefs.
With these proposed deletions, every Canadian’s right to publicly share their religious beliefs will lie unprotected, vulnerable to baseless accusations of “spreading hate” and potential legal consequences.
Further compounding the problem is our current political climate.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed an openness to considering Blanchet’s motion, especially given the current local and global uneasiness regarding the ongoing brutal religious conflict within Gaza. If Bill C-367 became law, Canadians could be stripped of their freedom to express their faiths.
Legally ambiguous phrases like “hate speech” and “hate crime”—which Peel Regional Police states do not exist as crimes under the Criminal Code —could be weaponized against those simply seeking to express his or her convictions.
With sections 319(3)(b) and 319(3.1)(b) removed from the Criminal Code, the line of defense in court will be illegal and invalid when individuals are accused of a “hate crime” for expressing his or her beliefs.
Again, we value diverse perspectives and believe that the exchange of ideas is crucial for advancing knowledge. We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and feedback on the suggested amendments of Bill C-367.
Our elected officials will not want to risk not listening to their constituents, especially with supposedly a snap election around the corner.