UMVA has learned that a new law in Canada could potentially make citing the Bible or even a science textbook a criminal offense, sparking widespread concerns over freedom of speech and expression.
The law, which aims to restrict hate speech, would remove protections for the Bible, meaning that posting or carrying a placard quoting certain scriptures could be considered hate speech, a jailable offense. This has raised alarms that even citing scientific facts, such as the existence of only two genders or the humanity of a fetus, could also be considered hate speech if it hurts someone's feelings.
Canada is not alone in this shift towards restrictive speech laws. In the UK, police made over 12,000 arrests under certain laws in 2023, with figures nearly doubling since 2017. A separate investigation found 292 people charged under another law between its enforcement and February 2025.
The US State Department's 2024 Human Rights Report noted that the human rights situation worsened in Britain, citing serious restrictions on freedom of expression. The report highlighted the government's repeated interventions to chill speech, particularly after a recent attack.
In a disturbing trend, individuals are being convicted and punished for expressing their opinions or practicing their faith. A 41-year-old woman was sentenced to two and a half years for a social media post, while a 21-year-old woman was criminally charged for using a racial slur on Twitter.
Even prominent figures, such as writer Graham Linehan, have been arrested for posting tweets. Police forces in Britain recorded 13,200 "non-crime hate incidents" in the year to June 2024, under a guidance that requires recording accusations of hatred even if no crime was committed.
Scotland's Hate Crime and Public Order Act, which came into force in April 2024, creates new offenses of threatening or abusive behavior intended to stir up hatred. The law carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and criminalizes certain expressions, regardless of evidence of harm or violence.
The left's stance on issues like abortion and gender identity has led to a concerning erosion of free speech. The biological reality of a fetus being a human life is being ignored, and Christians are being accused of ignoring "the science" when they disagree with liberal views.
In Canada, Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, has passed the House of Commons, removing an exemption for statements made in good faith based on belief in a religious text. This law could lead to jail terms of up to two years for wilful promotion of hatred.
Canadian officials have signaled how they intend to apply the law, with one minister stating that passages in the Bible contain "clear hatred" towards certain groups. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has warned that removing the exemption endangers Canadians who express sincere theological convictions.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has also expressed concerns, warning that new hate crime definitions could criminalize peaceful protests and push activists into silence. The law has sparked fears that citing the Bible or scientific facts could become a hate crime.
As the world becomes increasingly restrictive, it's clear that freedom of speech and expression are under attack. The Bible, once a widely accepted source of guidance, is now being considered hateful. It's a worrying trend that raises questions about the future of free expression.
