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The author of this piece has a clear bias...
The truth of the matter is that there already *is* be a law against hate literature in Canada and what is being proposed by the member's bill is that it be expanded to include discrimination against sexual orientation.
At present if you write something that denys the Holocaust or something that attacks a racial group you can be charged with the disemination of hate literature.
I see no reason why this shouldn't extend to sexual orientation.
Clearly the bible itself is not under attack here. Any who thinks this is an idiot. What is under attack...and rightly so... is hate.
When what the bible says is used in the context of spreading hate. The person using it is wrong.
I can just as easily use the bible to attack jews and claim that they are evil for killing Christ and blah...blah...blah.
Even your first amendment has limits. Libel and slander are not permitted and I wouldn't be surprised to find precedece for so-called hate literature.
This isn't about hate crime per se... it is about hate literature. You can stand on the corner and spout all the evil filth you want and you won't get arrested (unless you are disturbing the peace).
As for opinion... no one is saying that someone cannot argue their opinion. It is all about context.
Is it OK to print an ad that says all Jews are evil? Blacks are lazy and stupid? These are opinions but ultimately what purpose do these opinions serve if not simply to spread ill will or hatred of those groups?
Slander and Libel can take care of an individual that is harmed by hateful literature but what law takes care to protect groups of people (minorities if you will)?
Sure we should be concerned when laws are enacted that will encroach on our personal freedoms... However, should we also not also defend our Charter of Rights and Freedoms? A document that protects ALL before the law?
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"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke
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