Canada has taken a major step toward correcting a long-standing misunderstanding by clearly separating the sacred Hindu, Jain and Buddhist swastika from Nazi imagery in its federal anti-hate legislation. The change comes through amendments to Bill C-9, which aims to overhaul Criminal Code provisions related to hate crimes and hate symbols. Although the bill is still moving through the legislative process, the updated wording marks a significant milestone for Dharmic communities across Canada. The original draft of Bill C-9 described a banned hate symbol as “the Nazi Hakenkreuz, also known as the Nazi swastika.” Hindu, Jain and Buddhist groups objected strongly, arguing that this phrasing incorrectly associated their ancient, sacred symbol of good fortune with Hitler’s emblem of hate.

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