The Canadian government is set to introduce legislation aimed at criminalizing the public display of certain hate and terrorism-related symbols. Justice Minister Sean Fraser is expected to table the bill on Friday. This move comes in response to a rise in hate incidents across the country, particularly against identifiable groups such as Jewish and Muslim communities.

The proposed legislation would make it illegal to intentionally promote hatred against identifiable groups by displaying symbols associated with designated terrorist entities. This includes groups like Hamas and the Proud Boys, which are already on Canada’s list of terrorist organizations. If passed, the law would prohibit the use of such symbols in public spaces, including outside places of worship.

The bill is part of the government's broader commitment to combat hate crimes, which have surged in recent years. Statistics Canada reported that police-reported hate crimes rose from 2,646 incidents in 2020 to 4,882 in 2024. Jewish and Muslim organizations have expressed concerns over increasing violence and vandalism directed at their communities, including threats and attacks on places of worship.

Fraser indicated that the legislation would go beyond previous commitments made during the spring election. It aims to address not only the display of hate symbols but also the obstruction of access to places of worship, schools, and community centers. The bill would eliminate the requirement for police and prosecutors to obtain consent from the provincial attorney general before laying charges for hate propaganda offences, which has been seen as a barrier to swift legal action.

The proposed changes would clarify definitions of hate crimes within the Criminal Code, helping law enforcement determine when to pursue charges. Current hate propaganda offences include advocating genocide and public incitement of hatred. The government is also working to ensure that the new legislation balances the need for public safety with the protection of freedom of expression, a concern raised by civil liberties advocates.

Organizations like the National Council of Canadian Muslims have called for a careful approach to ensure that the rights of individuals to protest peacefully are not infringed upon. They have highlighted the urgency of the situation, citing recent threats and acts of violence against community members.

As the government prepares to introduce this bill, it faces scrutiny from opposition parties, particularly the Conservatives, who argue that the Liberal government has not acted swiftly enough to address the concerns of affected communities. The upcoming legislation is seen as a critical step in addressing the growing issue of hate in Canada.