Religious Freedoms At Risk

Hello,

Mark Carney’s Liberal government is proposing a change to the Criminal Code that could lead to you being charged for preaching your beliefs, passing on your traditions or celebrating your religion.

We know that sounds unbelievable. But you don’t have to take our word for it – Liberal MP Marc Miller infamously said that many religious texts contain “statements” he found “hateful” and that “there should perhaps be discretion for prosecutors to press charges.” You can watch that clip by clicking here.

After making those remarks, Mark Carney has made Miller Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, a promotion that gives him responsibility for the CRTC and CBC, and significant sway over new online content rules.

The Carney Liberals want to use Bill C-9to repeal important provisions that protect those speaking “on a religious subject or…based on a belief in a religious text”. Without these long-established safeguards for persons acting “in good faith” – meaning reasonably and without malicious intent – preaching on certain doctrines could soon be considered a hate crime. This is especially concerning given that the government is trying to introduce a new definition of “hate” that could extend to any speech the government finds objectionable.

This is unacceptable in Canada. Bluntly, the Liberals and Bloc Québécois are working together to repeal the religious defence, which could lead to faith leaders, or any Canadian, facing jail time.

We want to be absolutely clear: Conservatives will defend your religious freedom. In fact, we have introduced legislation of our own, like Bill C-255, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (mischief — religious property), to keep places of worship secure. But instead of protecting religious organizations, the Liberals and Bloc are working together to threaten your ability to teach and preach.

We ask that you show your support by clicking here to sign the Conservative petition. Everyone who signs the petition will be invited to an upcoming virtual townhall meeting on this topic.

And please share the petition with those in your network. Please especially make a point to share it with faith leaders who have Liberal and Bloc MPs – they need to know what their elected representative is voting on in Ottawa.

As Conservatives defend these precious liberties in the face of government overreach, we look forward to discussing this important and timely issue with you directly in the coming weeks.

Sincerely,

The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, P.C., M.P.

Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada

Arnold Viersen, M.P.

Member of Parliament for Peace River – Westlock

Every 25 signatures I receive on this petition, I can rise in the House of Commons and stand up for your religious rights.