Canadian Muslim Forum Writes to Senate Regarding Bill C-9 and the Protection of Fundamental Freedoms

Canadian Muslim Forum Writes to Senate Regarding Bill C-9 and the Protection of Fundamental Freedoms

Montreal, April 3, 2026 ; The Canadian Muslim Forum (FMC-CMF) has submitted, recently, a letter to the Senate of Canada as part of the parliamentary review of Bill C-9, encouraging senators to carefully consider the balance between combating hate and safeguarding fundamental freedoms.The letter builds upon FMC-CMF’s previous submission to the House of Commons during earlier stages of the review of the same bill.

In its letter, FMC-CMF expressed support for the important objective of addressing hate propaganda and protecting individuals in religious and cultural spaces. The organization noted that measures aimed at preventing hate-motivated conduct play a vital role in ensuring the dignity and security of communities across Canada.

At the same time, FMC-CMF urged senators to examine the implications of the proposed repeal of the religious-expression defence related to the offence of wilful promotion of hatred under the Criminal Code of Canada. As currently drafted, Bill C-9 would remove the existing defence that allows individuals to express, in good faith, opinions based on religious texts or teachings.

FMC-CMF noted that efforts to address hate should continue to maintain a careful balance with the protections guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including freedom of conscience and religion and freedom of expression.

“Protecting communities from hate is essential,” FMC-CMF stated in its submission. “At the same time, legislative measures should remain carefully tailored so that they do not unintentionally restrict legitimate religious discussion, academic analysis, or theological interpretation conducted in good faith.”

FMC-CMF clarified that  removing the defence without clear safeguards could create uncertainty around the scope of lawful expression and potentially lead to a chilling effect, where individuals, scholars, or faith leaders refrain from engaging in legitimate dialogue out of concern for possible criminal liability.

FMC-CMF encouraged the Senate to consider whether additional clarification or safeguards may help ensure that the legislation effectively addresses harmful conduct while preserving space for legitimate religious, scholarly, and civic discourse.

The submission forms part of FMC-CMF’s ongoing work to promote human rights, civil liberties, and informed public dialogue on legislative measures affecting Canadians.

FMC-CMF emphasized the importance of maintaining Canada’s constitutional balance between protecting individuals from harm and safeguarding the fundamental freedoms that underpin the country’s democratic society.