[wanderer]

Originally Posted by Justin Gair

Basically it's to say that the Bible is full of hate literature and to condemn certain parts of it.

I don't know if this is necessarily true.
Here's Bill C-250 as passed by the House of Commons

Bill C-250

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda)

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

1. Subsection 318(4) of the Criminal Code is replaced by the following:

(4) In this section, “identifiable group” means any section of the public distinguished by colour, race, religion, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

2. Paragraph 319(3)(b) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(b) if, in good faith, the person expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text;


Here's a link to the sections of the Criminal Code being amended
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/C-46/42604.html

And here's a couple of news articles on the bill
http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2003/09/17/hate030917
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/hatecrimes/

[Chris]

so did justin gair misinterpret the bill? in light of this news it appears the government is trying to protect it more than trying to condemn it.

Justin - not to sound harsh but next time could you give us a link to your source?

[JerryLove]

Jerry - is a country that tries bans the people's beliefs truly free or democratic? sounds like a dictatorship to me.

No, a dictatorship is a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique.

Also, we are not discussing the banning of beliefs; we are discussing limitatoins on speech... specifically publication of hate-literature. Here in the US, we draw the line very far to the left (you must actively instigate a riot with your speech), but that does not mean that this is the only spot at which the line may be drawn.

[Chris]

well being Canadian I can't competently argue American issues. But I agree that when a specific group is being targeted nowadays the group against them should be silenced. It's a little difficult to stop things that happened a few thousand years ago which is one of the main reasons why this now-proven-not-to-be bill rubbed me the wrong way. The other reason was because it was made to look like the government was trying to silence/supress people's religious beliefs. That's something I never agree with under any circumstances.

No, a dictatorship is a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique.

ok I was trying not to use a cliched word like Communism (such as the religious opression they have over in China)

[shakeybill]

Well, I just read the actual law and the proposed amendment under C250.

It appears that at least I was jumping to conclusions. It does actually seem to expand the circumstances under which you could defend yourself against a 'hate speech' charge.

Never mind...

In Christ, Bill

[JerryLove]

ok I was trying not to use a cliched word like Communism (such as the religious opression they have over in China)

It would still be the wrong word; communism is a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed.

China requires that onlt approved religions have services. There is an approved Christianity, but not all are. China "cracks down" on all unapproved religions and religious groups. This is the result of the way the Chinese government runs China, but is not the direct result of communism. It would be entirely possable for congress to pass similar legislation here and see the same behavior in a republic.

[Benny Hicks]

Since this has very little to do with apologetics and a lot to do with government policy, I'm sending this to the government forum.

Ben

[ICTHUS]

I'm pretty sure its actually passed here in Canada.

["BrooksB"]

What will actually happen? Will the Bible become censored literature? What does that Bill actually say? I haven't read it, but I bet there won't be any serious repercussions. On the other hand, it would be a terrible thing for a government to condemn any literature, even if it be "hate literature".

[JerryLove]

On the other hand, it would be a terrible thing for a government to condemn any literature, even if it be "hate literature".

So you think that "Meine Kamf" should be sold in German bookstores? Al Quida's propigandist work should be in inner-city libraries?

["BrooksB"]

Originally Posted by JerryLove

So you think that "Meine Kamf" should be sold in German bookstores? Al Quida's propigandist work should be in inner-city libraries?

I don't see why not. I wouldn't want someone to ban literature I like and respect just because they don't like it.

[JerryLove]

Why would they? Because they feel it propigates violence and hate. Why don't they? Becauze pro-Nazi literature and pariphanlia is illegal in Germany.

Gather unto me like sheep and ye shall be herd.

[Shiloh2]

it did actually pass in Canada,, with amendments as mentioned. It's not as bad as it could be,, but worse than it should be. The overall intent was good, the overiding ramifications were devastating to clergy in Canada,, until the amendments went through.
The downside to all this,, over 4 million letters and emails opposing the bill were sent to Ottawa and various members of Senate etc. The bill was passed 52 to 11 I believe.. shows how democracy works in Canada,, but that's another story..

No,, we have the Gay Rights movement, publishing the list of dissenters, the 11 that voted against the bill,, and denouncing then and suggesting these backward people should not be considered for re-election, when that comes by later this year...

ahhh,, but I ramble...