Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to add a few words regarding this amendment.
We recognize that the rise in hatred is extremely concerning. It is important to send a clear message: the religious exemption has never been used and will never be used to justify hate propaganda. Freedom of religion is already fully protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This is a legal clarification. The religious exception defence cannot be invoked to justify speech that otherwise meets the very strict definition of hate propaganda. This was not the case when the defence existed. We are unequivocally closing the door to any future interpretation in this regard, without undermining the rights already guaranteed by the charter.
We obviously continue to respect and protect freedom of expression and freedom of religion, both of which are guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The removal of the religious exception in no way affects the ability of religious people to teach, practise or profess their faith.