moved for leave to introduce Bill C-451, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (mischief).
Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to introduce this bill to amend the Criminal Code.
This bill makes it an offence to commit an act of mischief in relation to property motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on religion, race, colour, sex, language or sexual orientation.
It is unfortunate that hate crimes have been committed in this country at community centres, religious institutions and educational institutions. The purpose of the bill is to take action against these crimes and to ensure that all Canadians are protected from such violence. The Canadian Jewish Congress, for instance, is in great support of this legislation.
I hope the bill will enjoy the support of my colleagues, as it does by my seconder, who I thank dearly, my colleague from Random—Burin—St. George's.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)