TDF appeared before the Senate of Canada to warn that Bill C-9 threatens freedom of expression, removes protections for religious speech, and creates sweeping new hate-related offences despite existing laws already addressing such conduct.
OTTAWA: On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Mark Joseph, Executive Director of The Democracy Fund, testified before the Senate of Canada on Bill C-9, the "Combatting Hate Act."
TDF argues that Bill C-9 is unnecessary and dangerously overbroad. The legislation would:
- Criminalize the display of additional symbols under s. 319, even though existing Criminal Code provisions already address such conduct
- Eliminate the religious defence under s. 319(3)(b) and (3.1), potentially exposing religious teachings on marriage, sexuality, morality, and scripture to criminal prosecution
- Create a sweeping new stand-alone “hate-motivated offence” that turns any violation of the Criminal Code or any other Act of Parliament into a serious crime if “motivated by hatred.”
- Add redundant intimidation and obstruction offences already covered by existing mischief, disturbance, and intimidation laws.
“Bill C-9 represents a major expansion of state power over speech and conduct,” said Mark Joseph, Executive Director of The Democracy Fund. “By removing the religious defence, it will criminalize the public expression of sincerely held religious views believed by millions of Canadians. The new hate-motivated offence will criminalize minor conduct and invite prosecutorial overreach despite existing laws already punishing such crimes. This Bill will not reduce social conflict; it will chill debate, strain judicial resources, and undermine Charter Rights.”
You can read TDF's brief by clicking here.
Learn more: “Combatting Hate Act” dramatically expands censorship powers and clears the path for more prosecutions of churches and pastors.
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and opposing religious discrimination. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education, and supports an access-to-justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.