Mr. Speaker, petitioners in Mission—Matsqui—Abbotsford are concerned about Bill C-9, which would amend the Criminal Code to address hate propaganda and hate crimes. The Liberals are proposing an amendment to remove the religious exemption from the Criminal Code that protects good faith expressions of beliefs based on religious texts.
Therefore, the petitioners and permanent residents of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to reject any amendment to Bill C-9 that would remove the religious exemption from Canada's hate speech provisions, to protect Canada's constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression and ensure that legislation does not criminalize good faith, religious discourse or teaching.