The Bible: criminalized as hate literature?

By Bruce Clemenger

AS CHRIST'S followers, we teach and are taught many things from scripture: that murder is offensive to God, stealing is wrong, lying and gossip are unacceptable, and sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful.

We also know that scripture must never be used to condone violence or hatred toward anyone. Christians must be unshakable in their love for everyone -- not only because of Christ's example, but because we all fall short of God's standards. However, when it comes to activities that are morally wrong, our ability to 'teach and admonish' with love and respect should not be compromised.

Are you aware that your ability to communicate your religious views on sexual morality is being threatened by legislation that may make it a criminal offence for you to publicly express moral opposition to a variety of sexual practices? Before Parliament recessed for the summer, MP Svend Robinson's private member's bill passed second reading and was referred to the Justice Committee for further study. Bill C-415 would add 'sexual orientation' to the current list of identifiable groups (i.e. colour, race, religion and ethnic origin) in the 'hate propaganda' sections of the Criminal Code of Canada.

All true Christians are appalled by hate-motivated attacks, and believe that promoting hatred towards any person is wrong. So why should this legislation concern us? Because the term 'sexual orientation' does not distinguish between the 'person' and the 'sexual activity.' As such, we at the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) are very concerned that you could be accused of promoting hatred if you publicly express your moral views on, for instance, homosexual activity. We are also concerned that parts of the Bible could be labeled 'hate literature.'

The current law bans promotion of hatred and violence against members of an identifiable group, and also makes it a criminal offence to do the following:

* 'Advocate genocide' -- promoting the killing of members of an identifiable group; or deliberately inflicting, on that group, conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction.

* 'Public incitement of hatred' -- communicating statements in a public place which incite hatred against an identifiable group. A 'public place' is defined as "any place to which the public have access as [a] right or by invitation, express or implied." This would include religious meeting places.

* 'Willful promotion of hatred' -- communicating statements, other than in private conversations, which wilfully promote hatred against any identifiable group.

Currently an 'identifiable group' means people distinguished by colour, race, religion or ethnic origin. Bill C-415 would add sexual orientation to the list. Our deep concern is that, if passed in its current form, Bill C-415 may be used against Christians and other religious communities who do not condone homosexual activities. We are worried that such legislation may make the expression of moral disapproval of certain forms of sexual activity a criminal offence.

For example, under the Criminal Code, literature becomes hate propaganda if it is used by someone to promote hatred against an identifiable group. Leviticus 20:13 states: "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads." If this text is used by someone to promote hatred, will the Bible itself be considered hate literature? And if this passage is read in your church, would it be considered 'public incitement of hatred?' Could the Bible be censored and the distribution of Bibles threatened?

Bill C-415 has momentum. Provincial justice ministers have agreed with the federal minister that 'sexual orientation' be included in the hate propaganda sections of the Criminal Code.

The government has promised legislation -- and may allow C-415 to proceed through Committee and return to Parliament for a final vote, rather than introduce a government Bill.

It's important that we ensure that the Holy Bible is not labelled hate literature, and that our right to publicly express our deeply-held religious views is not undermined. It is also vital we respond to this bill in the spirit of Christ.

Bruce Clemenger is director of the Centre for Faith and Public Life, a branch of the EFC. Contact: www.evangelicalfellowship.ca