Canada Proposes Law to Criminalize Hate Symbols and Strengthen Worship Site Protections

Canada Proposes Law to Criminalize Hate Symbols and Strengthen Worship Site Protections
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Canada’s Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced Friday a new bill aimed at combating rising hate crimes by introducing four amendments to the Criminal Code to enhance protection for places of worship and cultural institutions.

The proposed legislation would criminalize the public promotion of hate using symbols associated with hatred or terrorism. Displaying such symbols outside religious or community centers to incite hatred would also be punishable. The bill further targets intimidation or obstruction of individuals attempting to enter these sites, commonly referred to as “bubble zone” protections.

The law would empower authorities to bring clearer and more direct charges in hate crime cases. The government emphasized the measure as necessary after a notable increase in incidents, with Statistics Canada reporting 2,646 hate crimes in 2020, rising to 4,882 in 2024, nearly doubling the challenge faced by law enforcement.

While civil society groups welcomed the bill, Jewish and Muslim organizations noted the response was overdue. The opposition Conservative Party called for even swifter and stricter measures to tackle hate crimes nationwide.