Canada’s Bill C-9: Clarifying Misconceptions About Criminalizing the Bible

In late March 2026, Canada’s House of Commons passed Bill C-9, formally titled "An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places)." This legislation aims to amend existing hate propaganda laws by removing a specific legal defense related to religious expression in cases of willful promotion of hatred. However, claims circulating on social media that the bill criminalizes the public reading or quoting of the Bible are inaccurate.

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Following the passage of Bill C-9, various social media posts claimed that Canada had made it illegal to publicly quote Scripture. These posts suggested that quoting biblical passages regarding marriage, sin, or sexuality could lead to prosecution for "wilful promotion of hatred." Such assertions have been widely disseminated across platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, often framing the bill as an attack on Christianity.

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Bill C-9 does not outlaw the public reading or quoting of the Bible. Instead, it seeks to repeal a defense that allowed individuals to claim they were expressing religious opinions in cases involving hate propaganda. The bill clarifies that statements made in public discussions, including religious expressions, are not prohibited unless they are intended to promote hatred against identifiable groups. The definition of "hatred" within the bill is specified as an intense emotion associated with vilification and detestation, and it explicitly states that discrediting or offending someone does not constitute hatred.

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Justice Minister Sean Fraser has publicly rejected claims that Bill C-9 would criminalize religious expression or prevent religious leaders from reading sacred texts. He emphasized that the bill is focused on addressing hate speech while maintaining protections for genuine religious discourse. Earlier fact checks corroborated this view, asserting that the legislation does not criminalize ordinary religious expression.

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Despite the clarifications, critics argue that the removal of the legal defense could lead to unintended consequences for religious expression. Some religious organizations and individuals have expressed concern that the bill may create a chilling effect on discussions surrounding faith and morality, fearing potential legal repercussions for expressing traditional beliefs.

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While the majority of sources agree on the intent and implications of Bill C-9, the framing of the legislation in social media narratives has led to significant public misunderstanding. The ongoing legislative process, as the bill moves to the Senate, leaves room for further debate and potential amendments, which could influence its final form.

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As of March 30, 2026, Bill C-9 has not yet become law, having passed the House of Commons and currently undergoing second reading in the Senate. The outcome of this legislative process will determine the final impact of the bill on hate speech laws and religious expression in Canada.

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