Hon. Kristopher Wells: Honourable senators, our friends, family members and neighbours have faced an onslaught of increasing hate crimes in our communities over the last few years. We cannot delay protections for them any longer. Canada must address the growing crisis in our communities and stand up for all Canadians with clear, effective legislation that protects all Canadians, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Good-faith religious expression, debate and teaching are fully protected by the Charter. They are not criminalized now and would not be criminalized under this bill. The wilful promotion offence already excludes the scenario this clause was meant to address. It is solving a problem that does not exist.

We have heard concerns from Canadians across the country who have heard misleading messages about the intentions of this bill and what its implications might be. I want to be very clear and assure Canadians of all faiths that the combatting hate act does not criminalize practising your religion, reading passages from your holy books, preaching to or counselling members of your congregations or communities.

At the Human Rights Committee, countless stakeholders urged us to pass this legislation without further delay. We heard this clearly from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, Canadian Hindus for Harmony, the Organization for the Prevention of Violence, B’nai Brith Canada, the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism, the Toronto Police Service and the Edmonton Police Service, to name only a few.

We heard clearly and directly from the Minister of Justice:

We should recognize through the definition of hate that the ordinary practice of faith is not a hate crime to begin with. . . .

. . . Canada is a country built on multiculturalism and diversity, including religious diversity, and it is a huge part of the strength of the social fabric of Canada.

I would urge my honourable colleagues to oppose this amendment.