The Bible as 'hate literature' Canadians advance bill hate crimes (Is America Next?)

The Bible as 'hate literature'? Canadians advance bill that chills speech about homosexuality

A prison sentence for quoting the Bible in Canada? Holy Scriptures treated as "hate literature"?

That could happen if a proposed bill is passed by Parliament, according to opponents who believe it would criminalize public expression against homosexual behavior.

A self-described homosexual member of the House of Commons, Svend Robinson, is expected this week to reintroduce bill C-415, which would add sexual orientation as a protected category in Canada's genocide and hate crimes legislation.

Christian groups lined up against the bill admit they can easily be misunderstood for opposing a measure apparently designed to protect people.

"We don't want to promote hatred against anyone and are opposed to violence for whatever reason," said Bruce Clemenger, head of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's Centre for Faith and Public Life. "Our concern, though is that ... courts have not distinguished between the identity of the person and the activity. So sexual orientation refers to both the sexual disposition as well as the activity."

But homosexual activists contend such a distinction cannot be made with homosexuals any more than it can with matters of race or ethnic origin.

"The argument of separating the person from the behavior is their concept," insisted Kim Vance, president of Ottawa-based EGALE, Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere.

"In reality they are the same thing," Vance said in a WND interview. "That's language that they use to justify [opposition], but it's language that we don't agree with."

The bill's backers argue that statements against homosexual behavior for religious reasons are exempted in the current law.

In a letter Robinson sends to inquirers, he quotes Alberta Attorney General Dave Hancock, who insists protecting gays from hateful propaganda has nothing to do with endorsing homosexuality.

"There are appropriate ways to discuss issues in our country ... and you don't need to put forward hateful literature," Hancock said. "It doesn't matter what you believe about sexual orientation."

But opponents point out that the law addressed by Robinson's amendment spells out three different types of actions or speech considered criminal, and only one can be excused by a religious defense. And even that one, opponents maintain, has not always held up in court, because its vagueness leaves wide discretion to judges.

The most dangerous aspect of this amendment is that "hate" and "hate propaganda" are not defined, says Brian Rushfeldt, executive director of the Canada Family Action Coalition in Calgary, Alberta.

"I would have no way of knowing I'm conducting a criminal act until I'm charged with it, because there is no clarity in the law," Rushfeldt told WND.

"Sexual oriention" also is not defined in the law. Prime Minister Jean Chretien, when he was justice minister, told a constitutional parliamentary committee in 1981 that "sexual orientation" should not be in the Canadian constitution because it is too "difficult to interpret, to define."

No religious defense is contained in section 318 of the current law, which has a sentence of up to five years in prison for advocating "genocide," nor in section 319(1), prohibiting public incitement of "hatred" against an identifiable group that is "likely to lead to a breach of the peace."

Section 319(2), which prohibits a public statement that "willfully promotes hatred" against a protected group, does have an article that excuses statements expressed in "good faith," including religion expression.

Clemenger, however, points to a 4-3 Supreme Court decision in which the minority opinion, written by current Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, expressed deep reservations about whether these defenses are of any use.

"What they are saying is, that if you willfully promote hatred, you can use this defense, but no one in good faith would promote hatred," Clemenger said. "So that 'good faith' clause almost eliminates the defense."

Rushfeldt and his allies note that provincial human rights commissions, which already include sexual orientation as a protected category, have penalized people for actions motivated by their conscientious objection to homosexual behavior.

A Saskatchewan man recently was fined $5,000 for buying a newspaper ad that quoted verses from the Bible condemning homosexual behavior.

Two years ago, the Ontario Human Rights Commission penalized printer Scott Brockie $5,000 for refusing to print letterhead for a homosexual advocacy group. Brockie argued that his Christian beliefs compelled him to reject the group's request.

Rushfeldt also recalled instances in which the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council rules have been used to censure programs addressing homosexuality. In 1997, the council ruled that the airing of a James Dobson "Focus on the Family" program, called "Homosexuality: Fact and Fiction," violated the requirement that opinion, comment, and editorializing be presented in a way that is "full, fair, and proper."

The rules are "so vague," said Rushfeldt, "that if somebody says something that hurts feelings it can be considered a violation of the broadcast standards."

In a current case, a British Columbia teacher could lose his job for making "derogatory and demeaning" statements against homosexuals, according to the judgment of a teachers association panel. Though none of the statements in question were made in class, the panel cited letters to a newspaper that indicated veteran teacher Chris Kempling's attitude could poison the class environment.

One Kempling letter cited by the panel said: "Gay people are seriously at risk, not because of heterosexual attitudes but because of their sexual behaviour, and I challenge the gay community to show some real evidence that they are trying to protect their own community members by making attempts to promote monogamous, long-lasting relationships to combat sexual addictions."

The Vancouver Sun reported Sept. 25 that the panel does not need to find direct evidence of a poisoned school environment to determine that a member is guilty of conduct unbecoming. The panel said, "It is sufficient that an inference can be drawn as to the reasonable and probable consequences of the discriminatory comments of a teacher."

In June, Sweden passed a constitutional amendment that adds sexual orientation to groups protected against "unfavorable speech." The amendment must be voted on again this fall, and if passed, would be enacted in January. In effect, it outlaws any teaching that homosexuality is wrong, carrying a sentence of up to four years in prison.

U.S. opponents of this kind of legislation fear that the United States is heading in the direction of Canada and Sweden as battles continued to be waged over the addition of sexual orientation as a protected category in hate crimes laws and employment discrimination.

"I think the U.S. is not far behind Canada," said John Paulk, gender and homosexuality specialist for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs.

Canadian pro-family activists also are concerned about challenges to the definition of marriage, especially after an Ontario court ruled earlier this year that restricting marriage to a man and a woman is unconstitutional and discriminatory.

In an "action alert" distributed last week, Rushfeldt wrote that if C-415 becomes law in Canada, "the following consequences will result, especially once hate crime charges are brought before the courts":

The Bible, at least certain portions of the Bible, may be declared "hate literature."

Clergy may be subjected to criminal charges if they refuse to marry homosexuals.

Parents may be subjected to criminal charges if they refuse to allow their children to attend classes that teach about and promote homosexual behavior.

Expressing disagreement with homosexual behavior or the homosexual agenda, either verbally or in writing, would be considered hate propaganda.

Educators, including those at private religious schools, will not be able to refuse to teach homosexual curriculum.

Religious institutions will not be allowed to teach anything non-supportive of homosexual sex.

Governments (including local municipalities) will be prevented from passing (even debating) sex standards laws.

In his letter to constituents, Robinson defends the necessity of the bill by using the example of American Fred Phelps, known for his website "www.godhatesfags.com." Robinson said that when Phelps wanted to come to Canada to "pursue his campaign of hatred against gay and lesbian people," Canadian police lamented that there was nothing in the criminal code to stop him.

Robinson quotes Sgt. Pat Callaghan, head of the hate crimes unit of the Ottawa-Carleton Police Department: "If we had that legislation, we wouldn't have to put up with his nonsense … . We could have told him, 'If you show up and start spreading this hate, we'll arrest you.'"

Opponents point out, however, that Phelps, pastor of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., bases his views on religious grounds, which contradicts Robinson's claim that he does not intend to shut down religious discussion.

EGALE's Vance told WorldNetDaily that she believes, however, that religious speech must be limited.

"There's a huge difference between someone being allowed to practice their religion and taking out ads in the newspaper saying that gay and lesbian people are sick and immoral," said EGALE's Vance. "There is a line there, and it's been crossed."

Responding to concerns about free speech, Robinson said the law has an additional protection in that no criminal proceeding can be instituted without the consent of the provincial attorney general, which "will prevent frivolous or trivial prosecutions."

Clemenger said, however, that provincial law officials across the country have expressed support for the bill and have shown deference to homosexual activists in their decisions.

Robinson said the Canadian Association of Police Boards adopted a resolution in support of C-415 at its annual general meeting Aug. 23, "noting that equal protection and treatment of all citizens is fundamental to a fair justice system."

Robinson's bill passed a "vote in principle" in the House of Commons in May – with just 16 MPs present – and must pass a final vote before submission to the Senate, where opponents say it likely would be "rubber stamped."

Some Canadians mistakenly have believed that the bill is a dead issue, according to opponents, because when a new session of Parliament convenes, all legislation from the previous session dies.

But according to the rules, if Robinson resubmits the bill within 30 days of the Sept. 30 "Speech from the Throne" – which outlines Parliament's plans for the year – the legislation will continue on its track from the same position it had before.

Bill Siksay, Robinson's assistant at his Burnaby, B.C., office, said Robinson was unavailable for comment. He told WND, however, that the MP has indicated his intent to reintroduce the bill this week.

Patrice Martin, clerk of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for the House of Commons, which would handle the bill, said he expects C-415 to be reactivated.

Martin's committee then would prioritize the bill among other submissions by government and members of parliament. The committee could either delay C-415 – a private members bill – or send it back to the House for a "third reading" and final vote, possibly with amendments.

Vance believes that based on the voting pattern of MPs, enough votes are there to pass C-415. She notes passage of a law that added sexual orientation as a factor in sentencing for crimes motivated by hatred.

"Our sense is there is very strong support for [C-415]," she said. "To me, this is just a natural extension of the sentencing law. If you agree that sexual orientation is a motivating factor for hate crimes, then it's logical to have it for speech."

Her group is preparing a brief for the justice committee and plans to submit a petition that it circulated in the summer.

The issue has received little attention in the Canadian press, says opponent Jim Enos, vice chairman of the Hamilton-Wentworth Family Action Council in Ontario.

"We're asleep as a nation," said Enos. "Outside of families who are made aware through the churches, you never hear anybody talking about it."

"I don't think people are all that politically minded as a whole, unless they are closely linked to a church," Enos added. "They're more concerned about the price of a VCR or DVD."

"the law addressed by Robinson's amendment spells out three different types of actions or speech considered criminal,............"

That says EVERYTHING!!!!!!

When speech is outlawed, only outlaws will be able to speak.

"Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him. But all the young girls who have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves." ..........Numbers 31:17 (Moses)

This commandment was directed at people who caused a plague because of gross immorality and sex orgies. God demanded sexual decency and when people defied God, there was a consequence.

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

That is what God says.

What part of "it is an abomination" is unclear ?

"Free Speech is dead in Sweden; it is dying in Canada. Trust Senator Clinton to wage war on it here."

. . .and every other marxist-Liberal in our hallowed halls; the clock is ticking and PC has dulled the wits of many and these zealots are working feverishly to remake America into their image.

I am chilled to the core. To echo Charlton Heston, they can have my Bible when they pry it from my cold dead hands. This is awful, this is an attack on Christianity, but what can we expect, I anticipate it will get far far far worse (obviously) before it gets better. God Bless

The contradictions of the Looney Left are breathtaking at times. This is a group that has discarded logic and critical thinking. Instead, we are to rely solely on "feeeelings" as our guide in life -- world happiness and harmony is predicated on this unnatural emphasis on "feeelings" and emotion. Yet, a major, valid emotion -- hate -- is the one you are never, ever supposed to have.

I hate certain things, I hate certain actions and I certainly hate some people and groups of people. Pish-posh my views all you want. But make my thoughts a crime and try to come and get me? Then you should prepare to die. I will bow my thoughts to no man or state.

Yet another example of the true motivation behind gun confiscation.

"What do you expect from a Godless communist state such as Canada?"

If, as you say, Canada were "Godless," (as assenine a statement as I've ever heard) there would be no outcry from CHRISTIANS who don't want this bill passed.

Of course, this and many other bills like it which will put the lid (effectively) on CHRISTIANITY *will* be passed in Canada, and they'll be passed in the U.S. too. Will this make the U.S. a "Godless,communist state too?"

FWIW, - I live in Canada, *have* lived in the States, and was born and raised in Scotland. I believe my opinion to be completely objective. - Anij.

"The argument of separating the person from the behavior is their concept,"

Let me get this straight now (no pun intended). If my child lies to me, I hate him. I don't disapprove of his behavior. I hate him. Sure, it's impossible to separate a person from his behavior.

"Canadian Blood Services will not be allowed to screen risk-behavior donors"

oh just great - I'll say it again - my country is an embarrassement.

If this were to pass (which it won't) Canadian Blood Services will be out of the blood business - big time legal fees over the Aids blood tainting.

Reminds me of a situation my kid found himself in. Was down on "rubby row" doing Christian service with his school. Handing out leaflets and talking to homeless people. (our church offers a respite and meals) Police came by and told him and 5 other kids that they would be arrested if they didn't stop harassing the locals. Made them pick up all the litter on one block cuz one guy threw his literature on the ground. Had a depressing effect on my kid. He has become very anti-police. Not the right mesage for him I think. Wrote our police chief who replied with "we are hesitant to get into religious matters" I called back with the message " Well they were offering free meal and clothes" and "well your officers sure had no problem getting into religious matters". Our church is not preachy and runs a free meal and clothes with no strings attached as part of their school curicullum.

Good ol' Svend-over-Robinson (http://www.svendrobinson.com/)..this same slack jaw'd faggot broke his jaw on a skiingg trip with his boyfriend..ya sure wink wink nudge nudge say no more... More proof that the NDP party are Satans minions. First they put BC over the barrel now they are going for all of Canada.

Not only is this guy a fruitloop he is also a jackass.

The idea of these laws coming to America has today's district attorneys and cops foaming at the mouth in anticipation. Personally, I hope this law is passed in America, and every that jackboot cop and overzealous DA is unleashed. I hope they kick in as many doors as possible and fill them jails with the hate speech criminals.

Then when it gets so bad that people still do not rise up against the tyranny, America will deserve to become the police state utopia the law enforcement community wishes upon us!

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