Hate crime bill could criminalize protests, civil liberties’ group says

By Canadian Press on September 22, 2025.

OTTAWA — The Canadian Civil Liberties Association says the Liberal government’s new hate crimes bill runs the risk of criminalizing peaceful protests.

The bill, introduced Friday, would create new crimes of obstruction and intimidation aimed at protecting places of worship and institutions used by an identifiable group.

That includes schools, daycares and seniors’ residences, and the maximum penalty would be 10 years in prison.

The civil liberties’ group says that penalty is very severe and could cause activists to stay silent.

It says the bill could affect tens of thousands of community spaces across the country.

The group says police can protect public safety using existing offences, such as mischief, intimidation, threats and harassment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2025.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press

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