“This bill protects rights and freedom of expression. Some Canadians are scared. We must protect religion in Canada. People have a right to their beliefs. That's what this bill is about.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Combatting Hate Act
A bill to create new hate speech crimes and repeal a religious defense against them. The ruling party moved to limit debate after many hours of opposition, citing a campaign promise and misinformation. Much of the discussion focused on procedural points and whether the bill would unreasonably limit free expression.
“I'm talking about Canadian rights. I got an email I don't like. It says this bill will be bad for people of faith. It asks for donations to fight it. I think that's bad. Conservatives just want money. They don't care about good policy. I say our freedoms are protected.”
“I know people are reading those Conservative emails. I want Canadians to know our bill is fine. It won't violate anyone's rights. We're confident. If anyone takes us to court, we can defend it. The emails are wrong.”
“I don't like that. The Liberals have been in power for 10 years. People are angry. The government froze bank accounts. It sent police to Ottawa. It divided the country. Why should anyone listen to them? They're part of the problem. They've made people frustrated.”
“I'm not going to talk about the actual question of why hate is rising. I'll list random sad things instead. Maybe it's the internet's fault. The real problem is the Conservatives. They're obstructing us. They're against everything good. They won't even protect children.”
“I want everyone to know I support this bill. Hate is bad. The real problem is Conservatives filibustering. We could have passed this months ago. It's their fault we didn't. If they actually discuss the bill in good faith, I'd give them more time. We all want to pass this, right? Let's just pass it unanimously.”
“I want you to know the Senate only added one little amendment. It's not a big deal. The other side just wants to waste time. They aren't debating in good faith.”
“You Liberals just want to look like you're doing something about hate. The laws we have are fine. You just won't enforce them. You'd rather pass a new bill and pat yourselves on the back than actually do the hard work of keeping our Jewish community safe.”
“You Conservatives aren't doing anything but complain. We're the ones writing new laws to keep people safe. We're changing the Criminal Code to make sure hate crimes are punished properly. And we're creating new crimes for people who try to intimidate or obstruct others from living their lives. Canadians asked us to do this, and we're delivering. We're the party that actually cares about protecting people.”
“I'm supposed to talk about a bill. But first I'm going to say nice things about random people you've never heard of. That should eat up some time. Now onto the bill. Bad things are happening. The other party hasn't fixed it. They haven't even talked about it enough! If they really cared, they would have already fixed everything. They've had 12 whole years! I don't believe anything they say.”
“We're already doing something about the bad thing you mentioned. Police are investigating. Our bill gives police more power and tools. I want you to pass our bill. You're helping terrorists by not passing our bill. I want to paint you as soft on crime.”
“Conservatives are good at spreading misinformation. We need this bill to stop them from confusing people. Pass our bill to help us fight their lies.”
“Conservatives are spreading misinformation to stop our bill. But hate crimes are up against many groups. Canada must protect everyone. Our bill gives them the safety they deserve.”
“I distrust government power over speech. I'm worried hate laws will be abused to silence religious speech I value. How do we know it won't go too far?”
“I want to smear Conservatives as soft on crime. This bill is popular. Tories are voting no. I'll call them woman-hurting predators. That'll make'em look bad.”
“You called this bill too broad. It could punish regular dissent. Your colleague said he wants to prosecute people for owning Bibles. Do you agree with him?”
“The bill is fine now. We made it better in committee. The Conservatives are spreading misinformation. Our party is the one that keeps Canadians safe.”