Discussion · Government Orders
Amarjeet Gill Conservative
“This bill takes away legal protections for religious beliefs. Faith leaders worry their teachings and holy books could now be investigated as crimes. I want the government to explain why it is weakening freedom of religion.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague has expressed many concerns in his speech on Bill C‑9. Bill C‑9 removes the long‑standing good‑faith religious defence from the Criminal Code. As a justice and human rights committee member, I spoke with many religious leaders and faith communities who have expressed concerns that sermons, religious teachings and sacred texts could be drawn into a criminal investigation. My question for the member is this: Why is the Liberal government weakening protections for freedom of religion instead of strengthening them?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, my colleague has expressed many concerns in his speech on Bill C‑9. Bill C‑9 removes the long‑standing good‑faith religious defence from the Criminal Code. As a justice and human rights committee member, I spoke with many religious leaders and faith communities who have expressed concerns that sermons, religious teachings and sacred texts could be drawn into a criminal investigation. My question for the member is this: Why is the Liberal government weakening protections for freedom of religion instead of strengthening them?