Thank you, Madam Chair.
My question is for the student, Mr. Omer.
Currently, section 319 of the Criminal Code prohibits promoting hatred or fomenting anti‑Semitism. However, there is an exception to this prohibition. Section 319(3)(b) states that “no person shall be convicted of an offence … if, in good faith, the person expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text”. It is therefore forbidden to foment hatred or anti‑Semitism, but one can do so if, in good faith, one expresses an opinion on a religious subject.
A bill has recently been introduced to eliminate these exceptions, so that no one can, under any circumstances, foment hatred or anti‑Semitism. It doesn't matter if the person is basing their statements on a religious text. It should simply be forbidden.
I'd like you to tell me what you think, in about thirty seconds, Mr. Omer. Then, I'd like to put the same question to other witnesses.