I once heard a basketball coach describe a certain aspect of the game. He said, “dribbling the ball is a necessary evil of the game.” His intent and purpose for this comment was to indicate that not every player was good at it. Have you ever tried to read and understand a legal document? Not everybody is good at it! But let’s give it a try.
The Canadian Parliament is considering a piece of legislation referred to as Bill C-9. This is a bill designed to amend the Criminal Code regarding the following: Hate propaganda, Hate crime, identifiable groups, and access to religious or cultural places. This is a House Government Bill sponsored by the Minister of Justice. As of March 26, 2026 the House of Commons has passed it, but the Senate has not.
At first glance (or reading) one might think this is a good idea. But the language contained in it, is subject to interpretation. In other words, the phrase, “Hate propaganda” requires a definition. Who determines this definition? What is included and what is not? The phrase, “identifiable groups” is used and a list is provided. Who determines what groups make the list and why? Currently included in the list, among others are; religious, race, color, sex and sexual orientation. Displaying certain symbols such as posters or flags, or speech in public places that intimidates or provokes violence involving these “identifiable groups” can result in criminal prosecution.
The big concern here is, what is hate propaganda? Billy Graham did not preach hate propaganda. He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. Martin Luther King Jr. did not preach hate propaganda. He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not preach hate propaganda. He preached, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) Jesus also told His followers to, “go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt. 28:19)
Followers of Jesus Christ know and recognized the symbol of the Cross. What constitutes a public place for displaying a cross? My front yard with a public street in view? Using a city street to conduct a parade while displaying the Christian flag and singing hymns? This of course, assuming compliance with city ordinances. Or would I even be issued a parade permit? To stand on a street corner and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, would at the very least be challenging. But I guess it would depend on which street corner.
What has prompted this legislative action by Canada’s parliament? Is it fear of actual violent protestors? If so, from what “identifiable group.” Or, is this a Satanic challenge in an attempt to restrict preaching of the Gospel? Critics of Bill C-9 think it is.
Are these identifiable groups to be considered the subject of propaganda or the instigators? Here again, it depends of the definition of “hate propaganda.” Would non-Christians be intimidated to the point of protest or violence? This begs the question, what about Islam and Sharia Law? Sharia Law is the divinely ordained moral and legal framework in Islam. It guides Muslims in both religious and worldly matters. (source Copilot Search)
Two of our founding fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, learned first-hand in an interview with Tripoli’s ambassador Sidi Haji Abdrahaman in 1786 concerning the Qur’an and what it stated regarding non-believers of the Prophet Mahomed. A quote from the ambassador; “All nations which had not acknowledged the Prophet were sinners, whom it was the right and duty of the faithful to plunder and enslave,” (source; Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates, by Brian Kilmeade). So, folks as followers of Jesus Christ, do we stand firm and proclaim the Gospel? Yes, and persecution will follow.
Walter Allen is a graduate of TCHS and Auburn University. He is retired from the paper industry and is a published author. A former president of the Laurens County Museum Assoc. in Laurens, SC. He lives in Tuscaloosa County, AL.
