Faith
Canada Cuts Religious Defense in Hate Law
Faith Facts
- The “good faith religious belief defense” was removed from Canada’s hate speech law.
- The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) warned this change could harm religious freedom.
- The bill is set to return to Parliament for further debate before likely becoming law.
Christian leaders in Canada are expressing deep concern as a House of Commons committee decided to remove a key religious expression protection from hate crime legislation. They fear this change threatens the ability of believers to express faith-based convictions without fear of prosecution.
On December 9, the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights approved the amendment to eliminate the “good faith religious belief defense” from Section 319 (3) of the Criminal Code under Bill C-9, also called the Combatting Hate Act.
“There has been disturbing debate in the Justice Committee about the defense and whether biblical texts and other religions’ texts are hateful. This defense is an important protection for minority religious groups. We are very concerned that the defense could be removed.”
The EFC has pointed out that the committee’s decision follows heightened concerns regarding rising antisemitism, and was led by both the Bloc Québécois and Liberal parties. According to the committee recommendation, expressions of religious opinion would no longer be protected solely by good faith or argument grounded in religious belief.
The EFC noted that removing this protection was not originally included in Bill C-9. The Bloc Québécois had openly sought this change and announced an agreement with the Liberals to push it forward without input from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Christian advocates highlight that the elimination of this defense puts faith-based expression at legal risk. The EFC has taken an active role, meeting with committee members and providing written explanations about the vital importance of protecting faithful speech.
“Our communications to committee members and our written submission to the committee explained why this defense matters,” stated the EFC.
David Guretzki, EFC President, has directly urged the prime minister’s office to keep these protections in place.
This defense was one of four against charges of willfully promoting hatred and has rarely been used, always under strict judicial oversight. The EFC clarifies the defense does not shield people from criminal acts but specifically relates to debates over religious expression and accusations of antisemitism.
“This defense protects ‘good faith’ or honest belief,” stated the EFC. “It does not allow religious expression to be used as a Trojan horse to carry intended messages of hate.”
The EFC also raised concerns over other aspects of Bill C-9, such as the bill’s weaker definition of hatred and the removal of attorney general consent for hate crime prosecutions.
“The EFC’s brief also strongly recommended that the Committee reject any proposal to remove the good faith religious belief defense.”
Our faith and freedoms must be defended in law and in society. Christians are called to stand firm for the truth, praying for Canada’s leaders to uphold justice and protect religious liberty for all Canadians.
Faith Facts
- Florida’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against medical groups over transgender procedures on minors.
- The suit alleges protocols promoted by these groups irreversibly alter children’s bodies.
- Florida claims these actions violate state deceptive and racketeering laws.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is taking legal action against three professional organizations that, he states, misled the public about transgender procedures for children.
The complaint accuses these groups of promoting treatments that change children’s bodies while downplaying real risks and lacking credible scientific support.
“This sequence of interventions, which Defendants call ‘gender-affirming care,’ begins with puberty suppression, progresses to cross-sex hormones, and culminates in surgical procedures on minors’ breasts and genitals,” reads the complaint.
Attorney General Uthmeier believes these organizations failed to disclose the risks and uncertainty of such procedures, positioning activism above medical truth.
“Children were irrevocably harmed because truth was replaced with political activism. When organizations make medical claims, they have a duty to be honest.”
The state contends that families deserve honesty and transparency, upholding biblical principles of caring for children and acting in truth.
This lawsuit highlights the movement among states to protect children from life-altering interventions, affirming a faith-based defense of life, family, and moral responsibility.
Let us stand vigilant in defending vulnerable children and promoting policies grounded in faith, family, and freedom.
Faith Facts
- This Christmas season, more people are open to exploring the Bible and the story of Jesus Christ.
- The birth of Christ offers hope, peace, and purpose in the midst of life’s struggles and disappointments.
- Reading the Bible together can be a powerful way to introduce others to the message of salvation found in the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke.
Many gifts and decorations fill the stores during Christmas, but few point to the true story of Christ’s birth. As our world faces hardship, the hope found in Scripture shines brighter than any holiday tradition.
“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.”
While festivities can sometimes bring stress or sadness, the nativity story brings comfort and addresses our deepest needs. The miracle of Emmanuel—God with us—reminds us of God’s love reaching into our broken world.
Jesus, born in humble circumstances, came as the light of the world to offer forgiveness and everlasting life. His arrival marked a new beginning for all who trust in Him.
This season is an invitation to share the life-giving message of Christ with those around us. Many are searching for meaning, and God calls us to guide them toward the truth with grace and courage.
Opening the Bible with friends, family, or newcomers can change lives, as seen in churches where such simple acts build faith and relationships. This Christmas, let us offer the greatest gift—introducing others to the Gospel and the love of our Savior.
Faith Facts
- Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against developers of a planned Muslim-focused community, alleging violations of Texas securities laws.
- The project, now called The Meadow, was accused of soliciting investment through unregistered securities and of misleading investors about the exclusivity and intent of the community.
- A state agency later found the investments did not meet the legal definition of securities, leading to a dispute with Paxton’s office.
Texas stands on the front lines to defend the rule of law and protect families from fraudulent schemes. The lawsuit seeks to hold all parties accountable for any actions that contravene Texas standards of business and community stewardship.
Paxton declared,
“The leaders behind EPIC City have engaged in a radical plot to destroy hundreds of acres of beautiful Texas land and line their own pockets. I will relentlessly bring the full force of the law against anyone who thinks they can ignore the rules and hurt Texans. The unlawful land project known as EPIC City will be stopped, and those responsible will be barred from ever creating another fraudulent operation like this again.”
Faith-driven citizens are called to stand for integrity and transparency in all community endeavors. Our nation’s values must anchor every development, ensuring honesty, lawful conduct, and wise stewardship of the land for future generations.
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