Canadian Government Officially Passes ‘Bible Ban’

Article By Frank Bergman

Canada will now officially outlaw portions of the Bible after Parliament approved a controversial “hate speech” bill that will criminalize Christians, churches, and people of faith who quote unapproved verses from religious scripture.

The final effort to stop Bill C-9 was defeated this week, clearing the way for the legislation to receive Royal Assent and become law.

The bill has sparked fierce opposition from religious leaders, conservative lawmakers, free speech advocates, constitutional experts, and pro-life organizations who argue that it dismantles longstanding protections for Canadians expressing religious beliefs rooted in Scripture.

Final Conservative Effort Defeated

On Wednesday, lawmakers voted down a motion introduced by Conservative MP Andrew Lawton that sought to withdraw Bill C-9 before it became law.

“The Liberals and Bloc Québécois voted down my motion to withdraw the divisive and toxic Bill C-9 to stand up for freedom of expression and freedom of religion,” Lawton wrote on X.

Lawton noted that opposition to the legislation extended well beyond conservative circles.

“Opposition to this bill has come from the political left and right, from civil liberties groups and a range of faith organizations,” he said.

The Liberals and Bloc Québécois voted down my motion to withdraw the divisive and toxic Bill C-9 to stand up for freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

I’m grateful for the support from my Green and NDP colleagues. The opposition to this bill has come from the political… pic.twitter.com/249FRRHtgy

— Andrew Lawton (@AndrewLawton) June 17, 2026

The legislation had already passed through the Senate but was returned to the House of Commons after senators added an amendment classifying the noose as a hate symbol.

With that amendment approved, the bill is now expected to receive Royal Assent and formally become law.

Bill Removes Religious Freedom Protection

At the center of the controversy is Bill C-9’s removal of Section 319(3)(b) of Canada’s Criminal Code.

That provision currently protects the good-faith expression of religious beliefs based on sacred texts, including the Holy Bible.

Critics argue that eliminating this protection opens the door for prosecutors to target Canadians who quote or publicly defend traditional religious teachings that activists or government officials deem offensive or hateful.

Constitutional experts and civil liberties advocates have warned that the legislation dramatically expands the government’s ability to police speech while weakening protections for religious expression.

The legislation was introduced by Justice Minister Sean Fraser and is presented as an effort to combat hate propaganda and hate crimes.

Opponents, however, argue that the vague language creates significant risks for free speech and religious liberty.

Christian Leaders Sound Alarm

The bill has generated strong backlash from Christian organizations across Canada.

Conservative MP Brad Redekopp described the measure as a direct attack on religious freedom.

“Today is a dark day in Canadian history,” Redekopp wrote on X.

“The House has passed Bill C-9—an assault on religious freedom that removes longstanding protections for Canadians expressing sincerely held beliefs.

“Conservatives fought this bill every step of the way—and we will keep fighting until religious freedom is restored.”

Today is a dark day in Canadian history.

The House has passed Bill C-9—an assault on religious freedom that removes longstanding protections for Canadians expressing sincerely held beliefs.

Conservatives fought this bill every step of the way—and we will keep fighting until… pic.twitter.com/ofTpp9fePT

— Brad Redekopp (@BradRedekopp) June 17, 2026

The legislation had already passed through the Senate but was returned to the House of Commons after senators added an amendment classifying the noose as a hate symbol. With that amendment approved, the bill is now expected to receive Royal Assent and formally become law. Bill Removes Religious Freedom Protection At the center of the controversy is Bill C-9’s removal of Section 319(3)(b) of Canada’s Criminal Code. That provision currently protects the good-faith expression of religious beliefs based on sacred texts, including the Holy Bible. Critics argue that eliminating this protection opens the door for prosecutors to target Canadians who quote or publicly defend traditional religious teachings that activists or government officials deem offensive or hateful. Constitutional experts and civil liberties advocates have warned that the legislation dramatically expands the government’s ability to police speech while weakening protections for religious expression. The legislation was introduced by Justice Minister Sean Fraser and is presented as an effort to combat hate propaganda and hate crimes. Opponents, however, argue that the vague language creates significant risks for free speech and religious liberty. Christian Leaders Sound Alarm The bill has generated strong backlash from Christian organizations across Canada. Conservative MP Brad Redekopp described the measure as a direct attack on religious freedom. “Today is a dark day in Canadian history,” Redekopp wrote on X. “The House has passed Bill C-9—an assault on religious freedom that removes longstanding protections for Canadians expressing sincerely held beliefs. “Conservatives fought this bill every step of the way—and we will keep fighting until religious freedom is restored.”

Campaign Life Coalition, one of Canada’s leading pro-life organizations, also condemned the bill’s passage.

“This is a dark day for religious freedom and free speech in Canada,” said Campaign Life Coalition National President Jeff Gunnarson.

The organization warned that the legislation grants government authorities new tools that could be used to investigate, prosecute, or silence Canadians for expressing faith-based viewpoints.

Catholic Cardinal Warned the Senate

Prominent Catholic leaders also urged lawmakers to reconsider the legislation before its passage.

Cardinal Frank Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, wrote to senators, warning that while combating genuine hatred is important, the bill required substantial changes to protect fundamental freedoms.

The cardinal stressed that efforts to address hate crimes must not come at the expense of religious liberty and freedom of conscience.

His concerns echoed those raised by legal experts who warned that vague definitions could allow authorities to punish speech based largely on subjective claims of offense.

Growing Concerns Over Free Speech in Canada

The passage of Bill C-9 comes amid broader concerns about the direction of free speech and religious freedom in Canada.

Critics argue that the country’s increasingly expansive hate speech framework is creating a chilling effect on public debate, particularly regarding faith, morality, gender ideology, and other controversial topics.

Many opponents fear the law could eventually be used to criminalize the public expression of traditional Christian teachings that have been accepted for centuries.

Supporters of the legislation insist it is necessary to combat extremism and protect vulnerable communities.

But opponents warn that once governments acquire new powers to police speech, those powers rarely remain limited to their original purpose.

For many religious Canadians, the passage of Bill C-9 represents a watershed moment in the country’s ongoing battle over free expression, freedom of religion, and the role of faith in public life.

With Royal Assent now expected in the near future, critics say Canada is entering dangerous territory where biblical beliefs could increasingly find themselves under legal scrutiny.