moved for leave to introduce Bill C-250, an act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda).
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased this morning to reintroduce my bill pursuant to Standing Order 86.1 and to point out to the House that the bill is identical to the one that I had introduced during the first session of the 37th Parliament. I ask that it be reinstated at the same point it had reached at prorogation, which was that it had been passed by the House at second reading and referred to the justice committee.
The Criminal Code of Canada currently protects Canadians from those who advocate genocide or spread hatred of others based on their colour, race, religion or ethnic origin. My bill seeks only to extend that same level of protection to those who are targeted on the basis of their sexual orientation.
It is important to note that this bill in no way limits or threatens the freedom of religious expression or religious texts.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)