Bill will target symbols related to recognized terror groups. The Liberal government is introducing new legislation on Friday to make it a crime to intentionally promote hatred against identifiable groups in public using certain hate- or terrorism-related symbols like swastikas, CBC News has learned.
A source with knowledge of the government’s plan says the change includes symbols associated with terrorist entities on Canada’s list which includes the Proud Boys, Hamas and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
If passed, it would, for example, make it a crime for someone to promote hatred against Jewish people using Hamas flags or swastika signs outside a synagogue.
The new bill is part of the government’s promise to address a rise in hate incidents in Canada including antisemitism and Islamophobia. The government is facing criticism from the Conservatives that it’s failed to take action after calls from communities for help over the past two years. Jewish and Muslim groups say they’ve waited far too long for additional protection after reporting a spike in acts of violence, vandalism and hate aimed at them, their places of worship and other buildings. Incidents include shootings, fires, windows smashed and people harassed and intimidated entering places of worship.
The total number of police-reported hate crimes across the country increased from 2,646 incidents in 2020 to 4,882 in 2024, according to Statistics Canada.
CBC News reported details last week about the incoming legislation that would include cracking down on people willfully intimidating and obstructing individuals from entering places of worship, cultural community centres and schools.
A source now says the legislation also aims to cut out the politics and red tape preventing some hate propaganda charges from being laid and slowing down the court process.
The proposed changes would remove a requirement that prosecutors must get the provincial attorney general’s consent to lay charges for these kinds of crimes, the source said. There are four hate propaganda offences: advocating genocide, public incitement of hatred, willfully promoting hatred and willfully promoting antisemitism.
Under the Criminal Code, there are currently a series of instances where an attorney general’s consent is required, including seizing hate propaganda, obtaining wiretap authorizations and initiating a dangerous offender application. The bill could be controversial and face questions about whether it would infringe on people’s Charter rights which guarantee the freedom of thought, belief and expression.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser told reporters Wednesday that the Supreme Court has guidance for balancing the right to free speech with public safety.
Sources: cbc.ca/news/politics
