Raymond J de Souza: Quebec's war on Islam an attack on the religious liberty of all

The Liberal government’s plan, at the behest of the Bloc Québécois, to remove the religious faith exemption from the Criminal Code would mark a significant shift in how religious liberty is protected in Canada. The proposal is framed as a measure to address discrimination and to promote equality, yet critics argue it risks targeting religious practices and beliefs, potentially infringing on constitutional protections for freedom of religion.

Supporters contend that removing the exemption would ensure a consistent standard of accountability across all beliefs, reducing loopholes that critics say allow certain religious actions to be treated differently under the law. They emphasize the importance of safeguarding individuals from discrimination while maintaining the integrity of secular governance.

Opponents warn of unintended consequences, suggesting that the change could chill religious expression and compel faith communities to modify long-standing practices to avoid legal scrutiny. They argue that the exemption exists to protect sincerely held beliefs, and altering it could erode the space for religious liberty within a pluralist society.

The debate highlights broader tensions between secular equality and religious freedom in policy design. Proponents of the change call for careful implementation to balance anti-discrimination objectives with protections for religious conscience, while critics urge a more cautious approach that preserves space for religious communities to practice their faith without fear of criminal liability for routine observances.

In summary, the discussion centers on whether tightening the framework around religious exemptions in criminal law strengthens universal rights or narrows the scope of religious liberty for minority faiths.

National Post on MSN — 2025-12-07

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