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BILL TO ADD 'SEXUAL ORIENTATION' TO HATE CRIME COMING SOON

Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion Threatened

OTTAWA, October 16, 2002 (LSN.ca) - Private members bill C-415 introduced by homosexual-activist NDP MP Svend Robinson is on the Notice Paper and will be reintroduced in parliament this week or next. The Canada Family Action Coalition warns that the bill, which will come back at the same stage as at prorogation of parliament - it will thus be before the Justice Committee - "proposes changes to the Criminal Code hate crime legislation that are intended to criminalize all people with dissenting opinions on homosexuality and the homosexual agenda."

Bill C-415 was introduced and passed in Parliament May 2002 when only about 15 MPs were present. It would amend sections 318 and 319 of the Criminal Code by adding "sexual orientation" as a basis for protection from hate crimes and genocide. However, the wording is about "hate propaganda." CFAC notes that the most dangerous aspect of this amendment is that the terms "hate" and "hate propaganda" are not defined.

CFAC warns that the consequences of this legislation if passed could bring an end to freedom of religion. CFAC has proposed possible scenarios if the law is passed and hate crime charges come before the courts:

-The Bible, at least certain portions of the Bible, may be declared "hate literature."
-Expressing disagreement with homosexual behavior or the homosexual agenda, either verbally or in writing, would be considered hate propaganda.
-Educators, including those at private religious schools, will not be able to refuse to teach homosexual curriculum.
-Religious institutions will not be allowed to teach anything non-supportive of homosexual sex.
-Canadian Blood Services will not be allowed to screen risk-behavior donors.
-Governments (including local municipalities) will be prevented from passing (even debating) sex standards laws.
-Churches will not be able to mention certain Scriptures.
-Clergy may be subjected to criminal charges if they refuse to marry homosexuals.
-Parents may be subjected to criminal charges if they refuse to allow their children to attend classes that teach about and promote homosexual behavior.

CFAC asks concerned citizens to urge politicians to defeat C-415:

1) Call your MP. Telephone, and insist on talking to him or her. To get your MP's contact information go to the blue pages or go to http://www.elections.ca

2) Call Andy Scott Chairman of the Justice Committee, which is responsible for "studying" this amendment. Insist that no amendments be made to the hate crime law. The amendment should be scrapped. Email:

3) Call/fax/email our Justice Minister, Martin Cauchon, and insist that he not allow this kind of assault on free speech and freedom of religion by such an oppressive law. Phone: 613-995-7691; Fax: 613-995-0114; email:

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