Tories Say Removal of Religious Defence in Hate-Speech Law Is ‘Assault’ on Freedom of Speech, Religion

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Sept. 25, 2025. The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby

Conservatives are reacting negatively to the Liberals reportedly agreeing to a Bloc Québécois demand to remove the religious defence around hate speech in the Criminal Code to secure support for its Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act.

Media reports indicate the Liberals and the Bloc are poised to pass the related amendments as the House of Commons justice committee is currently undertaking its review of Bill C-9. The votes on the amendments could take place in committee on Dec. 2.