Does The Canadian Motion Condemning Islamophobia Put Free Speech In The Crosshairs? 30 Percent Of Canadians … – Townhall

While it doesnt make it against the law, some are saying that the motion that condemns Islamophobia in Canada could lead to criticisms ofthe religionbeing viewed was actsof Islamophobia, which could muzzle free speech rights. M-103, which was passed on Thursday, states that the House Of Commons condemns Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination.

Heres thetext of the motion:

It doesnt seem too controversial, though opponents say that this motion could put free speech in the crosshairsand a substantial number of Canadians feel the same way (viaThe National Post):

The vote was 201 for and 91 against.

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The motion was proposed by Iqra Khalid, a first-time MP representing a Mississauga, Ont. riding. In addition to the resolution condemning Islamophobia, it asks the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage to study the issue of eliminating systemic racism and religious discrimination including Islamophobia; and calls on the federal government collect data on hate crimes for further study.

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In debate earlier this week, Conservative MPs endorsed the sentiment but objected to the wording of the motion in the belief that it could lead to the suppression of speech rights.

The word Islamophobia can be used to mean both discrimination against Muslims and criticism of Islamic doctrine or practice. It is important that we not conflate the two religious people deserve legal protection, but religions do not, Conservative MP Garnett Genuis said during a Commons debate Tuesday night. People should not discriminate against individuals, but should feel quite free to criticize the doctrine, history, or practice of any religion.

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Khalids motion changes no existing laws nor does it create any new laws.

And yet, the Angus Reid poll finds that three in 10 of those surveyed believed Khalids motion is, in fact, a threat to Canadians freedom of speech.

The publication added that the Angus Reid poll also noted that most Canadians are against the motion, with 42 percent saying they would'vevoted against it if they were members of parliament. Twenty-nine percent would support it and another 29 percent werent sure or said they would have abstained. The sample size was 1,511 people.

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Does The Canadian Motion Condemning Islamophobia Put Free Speech In The Crosshairs? 30 Percent Of Canadians ... - Townhall