Blurring the Line Between Truth and Hate

The Canadian senate recently advanced legislation that may significantly alter how hate speech and religious expression are interpreted (The Jurist, June 6, 2026). Many believe that this bill blurs the line separating good-faith religious practice and willful promotion of hate. Bill C-9 states that it does not prohibit “a person from communicating a statement on a matter of public interest, including an educational, religious, political or scientific statement made in the course of a discussion, publication or debate, if they do not wilfully promote hatred against an identifiable group by communicating the statement” (Parl.ca, March 25, 2026).

“The amendment removes from the Criminal Code a religious exemption for hate speech that is deemed to be a good-faith expression, argument, or opinion based on ‘a belief in a religious text’” (The Canadian Press News, April 15, 2026). The Canadian Constitution Foundation stated that context will determine the ramifications of the bill regarding Scripture—for example, just reading aloud Leviticus 20:13 is not likely to bring criminal charges, but if this passage is read aloud in the context of extreme disgust or hostility, it may well be considered to represent illegal hate speech (Canadian Constitution Foundation, June 5, 2026).

The Bible instructs us be lights to the world (Matthew 5:14), giving no unnecessary offense (1 Corinthians 10:32), speaking with grace and in love (Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:15), not being quarrelsome (2 Timothy 2:24), and being humble even when giving needed correction (v. 25). This news reinforces the fact that we must be wise and careful with our words, especially in a time when the truth itself is increasingly considered offensive (2 Timothy 4:3–4). You can start making sure you are on firm footing with God and His word by enrolling in the free Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course.