The Liberal government introduced legislation to combat online hate speech the day before Parliament rose for the summer, causing alarm for free-speech advocates and sparking new political debate as a potential election looms.
Bill C-36 seeks to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) to address hate speech posted online, defined as that which “expresses detestation or vilification of an individual or group of individuals on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination,” such as race, religion, or sex. Speech that “expresses mere dislike or disdain” or that “discredits, humiliates, hurts, or offends” wouldn’t be affected by C-36.
