Learn languages naturally with fresh, real content!

tap to translate recording

Explore By Region

flag 38 groups oppose Canada’s new hate crime bill, citing free speech risks and potential overreach.

flag Horizon Ottawa and 37 other groups oppose Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Crimes Act, introduced in September 2025, warning it risks undermining free expression and peaceful assembly rights under the Canadian Charter. flag They argue the bill’s vague language could enable arbitrary enforcement, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, and criticize new penalties, expanded hate crime definitions, and lowered thresholds for hate propaganda cases. flag Concerns also center on a proposed Ottawa “bubble bylaw” regulating protest noise, with past enforcement against pro-Palestinian demonstrators cited as evidence of potential overreach. flag Critics say existing tools like court injunctions are underused and advocate for community-based solutions over broad legislation, while legal experts anticipate Charter challenges, particularly under Section 2(b), though some believe restrictions could be justified under Section 1.

3 Articles