Church responds to bill C-9, urges protection for religious expression

Ottawa, Ontario — The Canada Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has expressed concerns about Bill C-9, legislation intended to strengthen protections against hate propaganda and hate crimes while regulating access to religious or cultural places.

While acknowledging the government’s goal of protecting identifiable groups—including those defined by race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and disability—the Church leaders emphasized the need to balance these protections with the right to practice and express religious beliefs in good faith. They specifically highlighted the removal of the “religious speech defence,” which currently protects peaceful expressions of religious belief, warning that its elimination could create legal uncertainty and restrict legitimate religious discourse.

The Area Presidency urged lawmakers to either retain the religious speech defence or explicitly clarify that the law should not infringe upon Charter-protected freedoms of expression and religion when exercised in good faith. They underscored that freedom of conscience and religion is essential in a diverse society, fostering dialogue, pluralism, and peaceful coexistence.

The Church reaffirmed its commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ and encouraged members to follow His example in promoting peace and respect in their communities.