OTTAWA - A coalition that includes civil liberties, community and labour groups is calling on the Liberal government to withdraw its hate crime bill.

They say Bill C-9 gives police too much power and could criminalize protest.

Among other measures, the bill would create new crimes of obstruction and intimidation aimed at protecting places of worship and institutions used by an identifiable group.

Tim McSorley of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group says the bill threatens free expression, freedom of assembly and the ability to engage in protest and dissent.

McSorley made the comments at a press conference on Parliament Hill today, alongside representatives from the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Independent Jewish Voices

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