OTTAWA — Justice Minister Sean Fraser appeared before the Senate committee on human rights to discuss Bill C-9, which aims to introduce new criminal penalties for impeding or intimidating access to buildings such as places of worship.

The legislation also seeks to criminalize the intentional promotion of hate against identifiable groups by displaying certain symbols in public places.

Fraser clarified that the bill is not designed to target protests, noting that specific language was included to scope them out and avoid constitutional issues.He stressed that the bill maintains a very high threshold for what constitutes hate, requiring consideration of the wilful promotion of hatred first.

The minister highlighted the need for an objective process tied to Canada’s list of designated terrorist entities to determine which symbols would be covered, rather than leaving it to the discretion of individual ministers.This approach aims to prevent potential abuse by future governments.Senators raised concerns about enforcement, police training, and the evolving nature of terror symbols.

Some groups, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims, expressed worries that the bill could inadvertently affect Muslim communities or Palestinian solidarity protests if phrases like the Shahada are co-opted by terror groups.In contrast, Jewish advocacy organizations welcomed the measures as a way to curb the glorification of terrorism.Fraser defended the provisions on intimidation and obstruction, distinguishing them from peaceful protest activities.He expressed hope that the bill would pass before the House of Commons rises for summer.

Canada currently lacks a standalone offence for glorifying terrorism, unlike some other countries, relying instead on laws targeting material support for terrorist activities.The bill was introduced last September amid concerns over protests and antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.