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Canada Just Made Quoting the Bible a Hate Crime.

Michie

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You are not going to believe what just happened up in Canada.

In what can only be described as a final, desperate gasp of sanity, Conservative MP Andrew Lawton tried one last time to kill Bill C-9—the bill that basically says quoting certain parts of the Bible could land you in prison. Especially anything having to do with homosexuality. And they shot it down.

On Wednesday, June 17, a majority of Members of Parliament voted to reject Lawton’s motion to withdraw this monstrous piece of legislation “once and for all.” The Liberals and the Bloc Québécois teamed up, as they so often do, to ram this thing through. Lawton put it plainly on X: “The Liberals and Bloc Québécois voted down my motion to withdraw the divisive and toxic Bill C-9 to stand up for freedom of expression and freedom of religion.”

Think about that for a second. A bill so radioactive that opposition came from both the political left and the right (civil liberties groups, faith organizations across the spectrum.) Even some NDP and Green MPs voted against it. But it wasn’t enough.

Continued below.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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You are not going to believe what just happened up in Canada.

In what can only be described as a final, desperate gasp of sanity, Conservative MP Andrew Lawton tried one last time to kill Bill C-9—the bill that basically says quoting certain parts of the Bible could land you in prison. Especially anything having to do with homosexuality. And they shot it down.

On Wednesday, June 17, a majority of Members of Parliament voted to reject Lawton’s motion to withdraw this monstrous piece of legislation “once and for all.” The Liberals and the Bloc Québécois teamed up, as they so often do, to ram this thing through. Lawton put it plainly on X: “The Liberals and Bloc Québécois voted down my motion to withdraw the divisive and toxic Bill C-9 to stand up for freedom of expression and freedom of religion.”

Think about that for a second. A bill so radioactive that opposition came from both the political left and the right (civil liberties groups, faith organizations across the spectrum.) Even some NDP and Green MPs voted against it. But it wasn’t enough.

Continued below.
The reality is that nobody is banning the Bible. Do you know why this law had to be made? Because of cases like the Whatcott trial, where a person used the Bible to back up glaringly disrespectful, shameful, and dehumanizing comments about homosexuals. Using the words of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to vilify and disease people is just disgusting—how low can you go in order to bring about the Gospel? The law was updated to stop that kind of toxic abuse of scripture, but simply quoting or sharing the Bible in a normal, respectful way is , of course, still completely legal.

Thanks for sharing.
 
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hedrick

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Let me start by saying that I like the US 1st Amendment. I think "hate crimes" are a dangerous thing.

But I'm reasonably sure that the change doesn't make quoting the Bible illegal. Two relevant things change: an exception for good faith religious use is removed, and "hate" is more carefully defined.

"The law defines hatred as an emotion of an intense and extreme nature that is clearly associated with vilification and detestation. The law also specifies what is not hatred – namely, acts that solely humiliate, discredit, hurt or offend."

The Bible may discredit or offend gays, but that is not an offense. What will likely be prosecuted is quoting the Bible in some particular context that looks like an attack. That would probably also not be considered good-faith religious use.

I think Canada is setting itself up for continuing religious free-speech issues, with no real benefit. But that's what lacking a clear commitment to something like the 1st amendment involves.
 
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Gunny

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2 Timothy 3:1-5 "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, slanders, without self-control, brutal, despisers, of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
 

iHarken

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The reality is that nobody is banning the Bible. Do you know why this law had to be made? Because of cases like the Whatcott trial, where a person used the Bible to back up glaringly disrespectful, shameful, and dehumanizing comments about homosexuals. Using the words of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to vilify and disease people is just disgusting—how low can you go in order to bring about the Gospel? The law was updated to stop that kind of toxic abuse of scripture, but simply quoting or sharing the Bible in a normal, respectful way is , of course, still completely legal.

Thanks for sharing.

There’s a bigger picture here: once the government gains authority to determine which religiously motivated statements are “acceptable” and which are “hate speech,” there is a risk that legitimate religious, moral, or political viewpoints could be suppressed. I know as Christians we can determine the truth but those outside the faith will manipulate that to fit their ideologies. & all for what? Because what you thought what was said was disgusting? The word can stand on its own; it doesn’t need defending. But your ability to speak does. This is not something to celebrate.
 

Maria Billingsley

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There’s a bigger picture here: once the government gains authority to determine which religiously motivated statements are “acceptable” and which are “hate speech,” there is a risk that legitimate religious, moral, or political viewpoints could be suppressed. I know as Christians we can determine the truth but those outside the faith will manipulate that to fit their ideologies. & all for what? Because what you thought what was said was disgusting? The word can stand on its own; it doesn’t need defending. But your ability to speak does. This is not something to celebrate.
I believe you may be missing the bigger picture. This is based on using scripture in a hateful way. As Christians , we should realize this is not how to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. If you have a moment to read the case in hand, it is pretty disgusting behavior by this particular person.
 
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iHarken

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I believe you may be missing the bigger picture. This is based on using scripture in a hateful way. As Christians , we should realize this is not how to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. If you have a moment to read the case in hand, it is pretty disgusting behavior by this articular person.
Like I said, the word can defend itself. You nor I need to justify scripture just because of some bad actors. We are not greater than Gods glory. I don’t particularly care what he said, it doesn’t matter, can’t be much worse than those who flat out reject Christs divinity or the Jews who say Jesus got what he deserved. People say some pretty
blasphemous things. But, your offense blinds you; maybe think about forgiving the man?

What does matter is your ability to preach the gospel truthfully! The more cases you give the government to decide what that truth is - the more likely it is you will eventually lose the truth in the chaos. So you can play this game where you celebrate the silencing of those who hurt your feelings but don’t be surprised when Canada decides it’s had enough of the gospel.
 
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Hentenza

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The reality is that nobody is banning the Bible. Do you know why this law had to be made? Because of cases like the Whatcott trial, where a person used the Bible to back up glaringly disrespectful, shameful, and dehumanizing comments about homosexuals. Using the words of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to vilify and disease people is just disgusting—how low can you go in order to bring about the Gospel? The law was updated to stop that kind of toxic abuse of scripture, but simply quoting or sharing the Bible in a normal, respectful way is , of course, still completely legal.

Thanks for sharing.
“For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature, and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper, and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭28‬, ‭32‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

Is Paul disgusting and, to quote your words “a person used the Bible to back up glaringly disrespectful, shameful, and dehumanizing comments about homosexuals.”? If I quote these verses to a homosexual in Canada will the hate laws apply?
 
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Maria Billingsley

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What does matter is your ability to preach the gospel truthfully!
In Love.

Ephesians 4:15
"But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ."

Philippians 1:15-18
"Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill. The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. "

1 Peter 1:22
"Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart."
 
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Maria Billingsley

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“For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is contrary to nature, and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper, and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭28‬, ‭32‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

Is Paul disgusting and, to quote your words “a person used the Bible to back up glaringly disrespectful, shameful, and dehumanizing comments about homosexuals.”? If I quote these verses to a homosexual in Canada will the hate laws apply?
I do hope that Christians realize that Romans is ONE letter. Please do read the entire context. Ill help you. This is what it says right after you quoted the first part of his letter.

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:

Please read the entire context. It is dangerous to misquote Paul. Peter warned us.

 
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Hentenza

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I do hope that Christians realize that Romans is ONE letter. Please do read the entire context. Ill help you. This is what it says right after you quoted the first part of his letter.

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:

Please read the entire context. It is dangerous to misquote Paul. Peter warned us.

I know the context and you didn’t address my questions but deflected instead.

Secondly, I did not judged anyone but merely quoted the words from scripture so your quote is not appropriate unless you are indeed accusing me of judging others.

Again, Is Paul disgusting and, to quote your words “a person used the Bible to back up glaringly disrespectful, shameful, and dehumanizing comments about homosexuals.”? If I quote these verses to a homosexual in Canada will the hate laws apply?
 

hedrick

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I know the context and you didn’t address my questions but deflected instead.

Secondly, I did not judged anyone but merely quoted the words from scripture so your quote is not appropriate unless you are indeed accusing me of judging others.

Again, Is Paul disgusting and, to quote your words “a person used the Bible to back up glaringly disrespectful, shameful, and dehumanizing comments about homosexuals.”? If I quote these verses to a homosexual in Canada will the hate laws apply?
No. The law says it is not a violation to say something that "discredits, humiliates, hurts or offends."
 
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Hentenza

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No. The law says it is not a violation to say something that "discredits, humiliates, hurts or offends."
Time will tell. Over 37 civil rights Canadian organizations were against this bill so there are clear issues in contention here. One of the main points of contention is the broad definitions that the authorities will work under. In other words, the more liberal the authorities the more narrow interpretation might take precedence.
 
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Tuur

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The reality is that nobody is banning the Bible. Do you know why this law had to be made? Because of cases like the Whatcott trial, where a person used the Bible to back up glaringly disrespectful, shameful, and dehumanizing comments about homosexuals. Using the words of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to vilify and disease people is just disgusting—how low can you go in order to bring about the Gospel? The law was updated to stop that kind of toxic abuse of scripture, but simply quoting or sharing the Bible in a normal, respectful way is , of course, still completely legal.

Thanks for sharing.
The Devil used scripture out of context to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. I don't think that was ever used as a basis for forbidding quoting scripture.

For those interested, here is the test of Bill C-9:

 
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Maria Billingsley

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I know the context and you didn’t address my questions but deflected instead.

Secondly, I did not judged anyone but merely quoted the words from scripture so your quote is not appropriate unless you are indeed accusing me of judging others.

Again, Is Paul disgusting and, to quote your words “a person used the Bible to back up glaringly disrespectful, shameful, and dehumanizing comments about homosexuals.”? If I quote these verses to a homosexual in Canada will the hate laws apply?
Paul was disgusted with hypocrites.
 
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Sir Joseph

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I won't pass judgement on this one case, but will affirm the fears of some here and counter the defence of others.

I read the Christian news daily and a week doesn't pass that another Christian has been arrested or fired for simply quoting or teaching from the Bible - particularly anything condemning homosexuality or transgenderism. Most of these cases are ocurring in the UK and liberal European countries, but more and more are hitting Canada or even South America. In most cases, these articles quote the exact lines and circumstances of the charges, and they definitely document an increasing tendency of police and liberal courts using liberal hate speech laws to suppress any negative words concerning LGBT lifestyle or transgenderism. Quoting from the Bible, interpreting what the Bible teaches, or even posting positive messages on one's personal Facebook page supporting marriage between a man and a women all classify as hate speech now in many jurisdictions.

In the U.S. the LGBT community is still filing frequent lawsuits and organizing long term harasssment boycotts against Godly organizations, be they pregnancy centers, churches, bakers, photographers, or anyone that dares not support the new sexual norm. Fortunately, nearly all of these cases are being lost in the courts, but the financial costs to individuals and businesses ruins lives.

I've seen the cultural perversion of U.S. society occur within my own lifetime. First came a separation of church and state that took God, the Bible, and morality out of the public schools and replaced it with a teaching of evolution, materialism, and humanism. Then came TV and Hollywood pushing the sexual revolution. Then the LGBT movement that started with tolerance but has become mandatory acceptance by all. Then came transgenderism and a cultural madness of relativism that doesn't even acknowledge the biological reality of boys and girls. Now, we've come to the enforcement era, and it's spreading fast where free speech isn't protected by constitutional law.

May God help us, but Christians can do their part by not staying quiet, not voting for progressive/liberal representatives, and not supporting leading LGBT organizations like the ACLU, HRC, GLAAD, and Lamda Legal.
 

Hentenza

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Read his letter to the Romans. We were talking about that.
Look, I’ve read the letter to the Romans many times and you are not making your point so I’m beginning to think that you are calling me a hypocrite. If you are then that is not cool or respectful. I have not called you any names or insulted you. If you are not then please clarify your post.
 

Maria Billingsley

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Look, I’ve read the letter to the Romans many times and you are not making your point so I’m beginning to think that you are calling me a hypocrite. If you are then that is not cool or respectful. I have not called you any names or insulted you. If you are not then please clarify your post.
Oh dear not at all. Its just what Paul wrote. Nothing to do with you. My apologies.
Be blessed.
 
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