religious freedom

Bill C-9 Passed 186–137: What the Combatting Hate Act Actually Changes

On March 25, 2026, the House of Commons passed Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, by a vote of 186–137. The bill creates new Criminal Code offences related to hate symbols and hate speech, and removes a longstanding defence for statements made in good faith based on religious texts. The Liberal-Bloc coalition overcame opposition from the Conservatives, NDP, and Green Party.