Kindgo
Advanced Member
Member # 2
|
posted
web page
Pro-family activists are concerned that legislation now before the Canadian Parliament could result in criminal prosecutions against faith groups which publicly oppose homosexuality.
The Canadian House of Commons recently gave second reading, or approval-in-principle, to Bill C-415, a private bill introduced by New Democrat MP Svend Robinson. If passed, it would amend sections of the Criminal Code to the effect that anyone who "advocates or promotes genocide" or "incites hatred against any identifiable group" on the basis of sexual orientation would be breaking the law. Persons convicted under one of these sections would be liable to five years in prison in the case of genocide and two years in prison in the case of hate crime.
This legislation poses a concern to those who oppose homosexual activity, because the term "sexual orientation" does not distinguish between people and the sexual activity in which they engage. This bill would make it very dangerous to speak publicly or publish anything that could be considered disparaging toward homosexual behavior.
People could be accused of promoting hatred for publicly expressing moral views opposing homosexual activity. If a pastor were to speak from Bible texts that condemn homosexual activity, he could possibly spend time in jail. In fact, according to Janet Buckingham, legal counsel for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the suggestion that homosexuality is not a fixed state, but a sinful lifestyle, could qualify as hate speech. Some are concerned that if Bible texts are used by some to promote "hatred", the Bible itself will be considered hate literature. If specific passages were read in a church, might they be considered "public incitement of hatred"?
This legislation would also have an impact on what is allowed into Canada via mail, TV and Radio broadcasting. Evangelists in the United States who speak negatively towards homosexuality would be censored from having their messages beamed into Canada via Radio or TV. Any such printed materials also might be prevented from entering the country.
Bill C-415 is currently before the Commons Justice Committee where Canadian Alliance members say they will try to kill the Bill. However, many feel this legislation is on its way to becoming law in some form and are seeking amendments that protect religious freedoms. The bill should be back before the House of Commons by October for a final vote.
--------------------
God bless,
Kindgo
Inside the will of God there is no failure. Outside the will of God there is no success.
Posts: 4320 | From: Sunny Florida | Registered: Jun 2002
| IP: Logged | 
|
Printer-friendly view of this topic
