Canada Passes ‘Bible Ban’ Bill — Christians Facing Prison For Quoting Scripture Under ‘Hate Speech’ Crackdown 

Canada’s Senate has passed Orwellian speech bill targeting Christians and religious leaders and banning them from quoting Bible passages that the liberal government deems “offensive” or “hateful.”

Senators voted 45–13 to approve Bill C-9, legislation framed as an expansion of Canada’s hate speech and hate crime laws. Two senators abstained while dozens were absent for the vote. The bill now returns to the House of Commons with amendments before potentially receiving Royal Assent and becoming law.

Faith leaders and civil liberties advocates warn the sweeping language will open the door to unprecedented government scrutiny of religious expression, particularly biblical teachings on sexuality, gender, and morality.

Religious Protections Stripped Away

At the heart of the firestorm is the repeal of Section 319(3)(b) of the Criminal Code. This longstanding provision protected good-faith expressions of religious belief drawn from sacred texts, including the Holy Bible.

By removing this defense, the legislation leaves pastors, priests, churchgoers, and everyday believers vulnerable to “hate speech” prosecutions for teaching traditional biblical doctrines on topics like marriage, sexuality, or human nature—if authorities decide those views cross into “detestation or vilification.” Conservative senators’ last-minute amendments to safeguard religious freedom were rejected.

Faith leaders warn this hands unelected bureaucrats and activist judges a powerful new tool to silence dissent under the guise of combating hate.

Campaign Life Coalition strongly condemned the vote. “This is a dark day for religious freedom and free speech in Canada,” said national president Jeff Gunnarson. “The passage of this deeply troubling legislation… will not stop us from speaking the Word of God, even when biblical truths are increasingly being labelled as hateful… God will not be mocked.” 

Faith Leaders and Experts Raise Red Flags

Introduced by Justice Minister Sean Fraser, Bill C-9 expands hate-related offenses while broadening the definition of “hatred.” Constitutional experts, civil liberties groups, and religious organizations have sounded alarms that vague language could empower selective enforcement against unpopular views—particularly traditional Christian teachings. 

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued an open letter opposing the changes. Cardinal Frank Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, urged senators to reconsider, acknowledging the need to fight real hatred and violence while stressing that significant protections for religious expression were essential. 

Public Backlash Intensifies

Opposition has surged nationwide. Protesters have rallied outside Liberal MPs’ offices, including Prime Minister Mark Carney’s, decrying the bill as an assault on foundational freedoms.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith publicly warned against any future “monitoring” of church services in her province. Senators also rejected a controversial amendment that would have criminalized so-called “residential school denialism,” another flashpoint in debates over free speech and historical interpretation.

A Test for Canada’s Soul

Supporters frame Bill C-9 as a necessary update to combat rising hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities, including through new offenses related to symbols and access to religious sites. Critics counter that it tilts the scales toward state control over conscience, eroding the very pluralism Canada claims to champion. With the bill heading back to the House of Commons, opponents vow to keep fighting for restored religious exemptions.

For many believers, this isn’t just about legal technicalities—it’s a defining moment for whether Canada will remain a free society where citizens can openly live and proclaim their faith, or one where quoting the Bible risks a knock on the door from authorities.

The globalist push to redefine “hate” as anything challenging progressive orthodoxy continues. Canadians who value liberty are watching closely. The fight for free speech and religious freedom is far from over.