Drawing Clear Lines Between Belief and Harm

A friend recently said something that captures the heart of this debate: “Saying ‘it’s not ok to be gay’ is one thing; saying ‘they should be stoned or put to death’ is another. We need solid lines in the sand.” I agree with him. There is a real and necessary difference between expressing a belief and calling for violence. And it is dangerous when anyone—religious or not—uses sacred texts or divine authority to urge others to kill, harm, or discriminate against people because of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or religion. That is not religious freedom. That is incitement.

Bill C‑9 is being discussed because hate‑motivated intimidation and threats have increased in Canada, especially around places of worship and cultural spaces. Communities facing this kind of targeting deserve protection, and the law has a role in responding to serious harm. My friend is right that we need clear boundaries for when the state must intervene.

At the same time, drawing those boundaries requires care. Not every difficult or traditional teaching is a threat. In every faith tradition, there are teachings about morality, identity, and behaviour that people may disagree with or find uncomfortable. A pastor preaching a traditional view of marriage, a rabbi teaching about covenant, or an imam explaining modesty—these are examples of belief, not harm. They may be debated, but they are not the same as urging people to attack their neighbours.

By contrast, it is a threat when someone uses religion to call others to kill, injure, intimidate, or discriminate against people because of who they are. Saying “this is what my faith teaches about morality” is one thing. Saying “these people should be punished, harmed, or removed” is another. The first is protected expression in a free society. The second is incitement, and it is dangerous.

This is the line the law must draw clearly. Religious freedom protects the right to teach Scripture, express convictions, and hold traditional views. It does not protect calls for violence, harassment, or discrimination. Good legislation focuses on actions—threats, intimidation, incitement—not on beliefs or doctrines. That is how we protect both the safety of vulnerable communities and the freedom of religious communities to live out their faith.

How we draw those lines will shape how we live with difference in a diverse society.