Explainer: Controversial Hate Crime Bill Just Got Even More Contentious

Justice Minister Sean Fraser arrives for a caucus meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Dec. 10, 2025. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick

After political drama lasting several days, the Liberal government sided with the Bloc Québécois to amend its hate crime bill by removing the religious defence to hate speech.

The vote took place at the House of Commons justice committee meeting on Dec. 9, during a clause-by-clause review of Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act.