Take Action: Support Bill C-304 To Protect Free Speech and Freedom of Religion
One of the first pieces of legislation in this new Parliament will be warmly received by many in the Reformed church community and all freedom-loving Canadians. Conservative MP Brian Storseth (from Northern Alberta), has introduced a private members bill (C-304) that proposes to delete Section 13 from the Canadian Human Rights Act. [Click here to send an Easy Mail letter in support of C-304. Letter contents are below.]
Section 13 makes it an offence to communicate “any matter that is likely to expose a person or persons to hatred or contempt…” ARPA readers have seen many references to Section 13 over the years, as it and its provincial equivalents have been responsible for silencing Christians who say or write things that are deemed to be offensive. Although we should be the first to oppose hate, the reality is that when hate is defined by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, we as Christians are often seen as the hateful ones because the message of the Gospel is considered offensive.
We are optimistic that this bill will be passed, in light of the public outcry against Section 13 and the Canadian Human Rights Commission in recent years. However, our MPs still need to hear that you support it. Make use of this Easy Mail Letter today! It will be CC’d to the Prime Minister, Justice Minister, and Brian Storseth.
Easy Mail Letter (You Are Encouraged To Customize It in Step 2 of the Easy Mail Process)
Dear [Name of MP]
I was very encouraged to read that MP Brian Storseth has introduced Bill C-304 to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to protect freedom of speech. I respectfully request that you not only support this bill, but also do what you can to increase awareness of the multitude of problems with the Canadian Human Rights Act, Commission, and Tribunal.
The removal of Section 13 of the Act is one of the goals of Bill C-304. This is long overdue. Section 13 makes it an offence to communicate “any matter that is likely to expose a person or persons to hatred or contempt…” This section, and its provincial equivalents, have been responsible for silencing Canadians who say or write things that are deemed to be offensive.
Although I strongly oppose hatred and am guided by Jesus’ command to love my neighbor as myself, the reality is that when words like hate and contempt are defined and interpreted by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, even Canadians like myself can be considered “hateful” because we hold to beliefs that are not in keeping with the politically-correct doctrines of the CHRC. In the Whatcott case that is currently before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission went so far as to suggest that parts of the Bible are hate speech.
Free speech has been chilled because many Canadians no longer even dare to engage in public debate about controversial issues for fear of legal consequences by the CHRC. Free speech is critical for a free society. The truth must reign, even if it comes at the expense of some hurt feelings. Unfortunately, truth is no defence at the CHRC. The tribunal’s quasi-judicial rules short-circuit many of the vital checks and balances that exist in our court systems.
I encourage you to learn more about the problems of the CHRC and the options that exist for legislators at www.HumanRightsCommissions.ca.
Our freedom is a treasure. Please do what you can to preserve it.
Sincerely,
