Ted Falk, Member of Parliament for Provencher, was thrilled with the decision by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights to maintain Criminal Code section 176, with amendments.
Bill C-51, which included a clause to remove section 176, was introduced by Liberal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould. Section 176 is the only provision in the Criminal Code which provides explicit protections for clergy and parishioners partaking in religious services.
In direct contradiction to Minister Wilson-Raybould’s statements suggesting section 176 was obsolete, numerous witnesses told the committee about the importance of ensuring places of worship and clergy are protected from interference and disturbance.
“At a time when we’re hearing more and more about attacks on religious communities across Canada, from the beginning I’ve maintained that this proposal was a step in the wrong direction,” said Falk.
“I am extremely grateful to the many Canadians who responded to my appeal to contact the Minister of Justice and Justice Committee members in support of keeping section 176,” added Falk. “Liberal committee members noted that they received a great deal of correspondence from Canadians calling on them to preserve section 176, which undoubtedly urged them to rethink this bizarre proposal. I also want to thank Conservative Justice Shadow Minister Rob Nicholson for leading the charge to defend this important section. Today we celebrate a victory for religious freedom.”
Bill C-51 will now proceed to 3rd reading in the House of Commons before consideration by the Senate.
