“This bill was rushed. Many groups were not consulted. Religious and legal groups are concerned. The bill ignores existing laws that already protect places of worship. I want the government to slow down and listen to these groups' concerns.”
What they said. What they meant.
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Combatting Hate Act
A bill to make it easier to criminally charge people for 'hate propaganda' offenses, creating new offenses for promoting hatred against 'identifiable groups' or intimidating people accessing religious places. During debate, Conservatives raised concerns about free speech and religious liberty, while Liberals insisted the bill would only protect vulnerable communities. As usual, many members spoke at length about their own ridings and personal anecdotes only tangentially related to the bill.
“I don't like this bill. I want the government to bring a different bill. A bill that unites Canadians. I don't trust the Liberals. I think they want to criminalize parts of scripture. I think this bill limits religious freedom and free speech.”
“I don't like this bill. It goes too far. It mixes state and religion. I think this bill will hurt religious people. The Liberals won't listen to us. They have a majority. They shoot down all of our amendments. Even reasonable ones. How does that make you feel?”
“The Liberals never listen. Thoughtful amendments? Real debate? No. It was like this under Trudeau too. They ignore everyone! Well. Maybe they listen to people who join them. They promise to listen if you cross the floor. I think that's why people do it. But really they should just be grown-ups. They should listen to everyone! It's not fair.”
“The government should enforce existing laws against hate crimes instead of changing them. I don't think we need new laws. We have laws against threats and violence already! The government wants to remove protections for religious speech. Religious speech was protected for 50 years! Now the government says 'trust us'. I don't think they should remove that protection. It's a slippery slope. First they remove protection. Then the line is unclear. People will censor themselves! We should expose and defeat bad ideas openly, not hide them. And the government ended debate early - they didn't allow full debate to test the bill. That's wrong. The Senate added a noose to the list of symbols. That's not enough! It doesn't fix the problems. The government should reject this bill.”
“The people who vote for me are worried this bill will take away their freedom of speech and religion. They don't want to have to look over their shoulder all the time and worry that quoting the Bible or other religious texts might get them accused of hate speech.”
“People have different opinions on this bill. Some groups like parts of it, but others really don't. Many Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders say it threatens religious freedom. The government should listen to more than just the small group that agrees with them.”
“Adding to my earlier points, lots of different groups oppose Bill C-9. Groups defending civil liberties and legal rights are against it. So are many faith groups - Muslim, Jewish, and Christian. Refugee advocates have concerns too. Opposition comes from all different political parties, not just my Conservatives.”
“I want to look good by defending free speech. But I won't talk about how the bill actually works. I'll just throw out scary what-ifs instead.”
“I'm going to use one hypothetical out-of-context example to make this bill sound like a broad attack on religious expression. That plays to my base.”
“I want people to think this bill will turn everyday conversations into crimes. That plays to my base.”
“The other side wants this bill. I want to make them say everyone else is wrong. I want to push back against removing that exemption.”
“You say the charter protects rights. But won't people get charged just for citing their religion? The good-faith clause is gone. They'll be called guilty before anyone checks. They'll spend money and be shamed. Only then can they say the charter helps them. Is that how it will really go?”
“You say you want this bill to pass to protect your community. But other faith groups don't want it. Why should your view win and theirs lose?”
“I don't like this bill. This bill threatens freedom of religion and freedom of expression. We can fight hate while still protecting fundamental freedoms. The current law already strikes a careful balance. Bill C-9 would remove important safeguards. It would risk criminalizing legitimate religious expression. This is a dangerous path for any democracy. I want Conservatives to stand up for people of faith, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion. I want Conservatives to fight against this attack on our freedoms. I want Conservatives to defend the constitutional right the government is trying to take away.”
“I want people to think the other party caused these problems. I want people to think the bill is bad because it comes from the other party.”
“I don't want to look at the facts. I want to only listen to the opinions of certain people. I want you to think they speak for everyone. I want my opinion to win.”
“I really like the Charter. I think my party has the only fix for this problem. I want the other side to pass my fix. That way the country won't be split.”
“That bad thing? I don't like that. We should all say we don't like that. But this bill goes too far. It attacks everyone's freedom and religious rights. I want all of you to vote no on this bill. Let's all be on the same side about that.”
“I don't want to change that rule. Safeguards are good. We should keep that exemption. Don't add more fixes. Support us.”