Canada’s progressive repression

 What is “hate” speech?  

Can anyone judge what is in the heart of another person?  What motivates them?  What they are feeling or thinking when they engage in communication?  Who gets to decide what speech  is hateful, and what, if any speech should be punished?  What words or combination of words or tone of voice is allowed?  More frightening, how can a criminal act be committed just because someone fears another might commit it?

By criminalizing upsetting speech, government is trying to control our words, our thoughts,  and our actions. That is the definition of totalitarian control.  

The legal basis for defining crimes as “hate” crimes has been a slippery slope that has threatened free speech for decades.  Canada has slipped over the edge.  Will America follow?  

Here is what is happening in Canada.

2nd Session, 43rd Parliament,  69-70 Elizabeth II, 2020-2021

HOUSE OF COMMONS OF CANADA

BILL C-36

An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act and to make related amendments to another Act (hate propaganda, hate crimes and hate speech)

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: R.‍S.‍, c. C-46

Criminal Code

Amendments to the Act

2 (1) Subsection 319(7) of the Act is amended by adding the following in alphabetical order:

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hatred means the emotion that involves detestation or vilification and that is stronger than dislike or disdain; (haine)

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(2) Section 319 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (7):

Exclusions

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(8) For greater certainty, the communication of a statement does not incite or promote hatred, for the purposes of this section, solely because it discredits, humiliates, hurts or offends.

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3 The Act is amended by adding the following after section 810.‍011:

Fear of hate propaganda offence or hate crime

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810.‍012 (1) A person may, with the Attorney General’s consent, lay an information before a provincial court judge if the person fears on reasonable grounds that another person will commit

• (a) an offence under section 318 or subsection 319(1) or (2);

• (b) an offence under subsection 430(4.‍1); or

• (c) an offence motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity