OTTAWA — A Liberal cabinet minister defended proposed changes to hate speech laws on Tuesday, rejecting claims that removing a religious defense amounts to an attack on religious freedom. Marc Miller, a Montreal MP and the newly appointed minister responsible for Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, emphasized that religious texts should not be used to justify hate crimes.

Miller, who has deep Christian beliefs, stated, "Nobody should be committing a hate crime in the name of religion." He expressed confidence that many people of faith and religious leaders would agree with this perspective. His comments came as the parliamentary justice committee prepares to discuss amendments to the current hate speech laws.

The proposed changes are part of Bill C-9, known as the Combating Hate Act. The Liberal government has reached an agreement with the Bloc Québécois to remove the religious defense exemption from the law. This exemption currently allows individuals to avoid hate speech convictions if they claim their statements are based on religious beliefs.

Critics of the bill have raised concerns about new intimidation and obstruction offenses, arguing that these could lead to increased police action against lawful protests. The original version of the bill did not include changes to the religious defense exemption, but the Bloc Québécois has long advocated for its removal. Party leader Yves-François Blanchet stated that speech inciting hatred is criminal, regardless of whether it is framed as religious.

The specific section of the Criminal Code in question allows for the propagation of hateful speech if the speaker claims to express an opinion based on a religious text in good faith. This defense applies to the offense of "wilful promotion of hatred" and includes antisemitic speech, which is defined as condoning or downplaying the Holocaust.

The Bloc Québécois has pointed to controversial remarks made by Montreal Imam Adil Charkaoui, who called for violence against "Zionist aggressors" during a public prayer in 2023. Opposition Conservatives have vowed to oppose the changes, with party leader Pierre Poilievre labeling the proposal an "assault on freedom of expression and religion."

Miller accused the Conservatives of defending individuals like Charkaoui, who was not charged after a review of evidence by Quebec prosecutors. The Christian Legal Fellowship, representing Christian lawyers and law students, has also criticized the proposed removal of the religious defense, warning it could create a chilling effect on free speech.

Advocacy groups, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council, have expressed concerns that the changes could lead to greater censorship and negatively impact places of worship and religious schools. Miller responded to these concerns, stating, "I respectfully disagree."

Justice Minister Sean Fraser's office has previously stated it would be inappropriate to speculate on any proposed changes to the bill, which is set for a clause-by-clause review. The justice committee is scheduled to meet later today to discuss the amendments.