Canada Could Punish Anti-Transgender Speech with Two Years in Jail

This recently proposed bill seeks to amend the Canadian Criminal Code—which already bans and punishes “hate speech” on many different topics including gay “marriage” and homosexual behavior—to expand its list to include “gender identity” and “gender expression.” The bill also seeks to update the Canadian Human Rights Act to include protection for transgender people.

Apparently, if this bill passes, it will essentially put prohibitions on any “public speech or communication that ‘promotes hatred’ on the basis of ‘gender identity’ or ‘gender expression.’” Violations can result in up to two years in prison. Though this isn’t the first time this bill has been proposed, it is reportedly more likely to pass this time since the prime minister is backing the bill. He says,

Far too many people still face harassment, discrimination, and violence for being who they are. This is unacceptable. . . . To do its part, the Government of Canada today will introduce legislation that will help ensure transgender and other gender-diverse people can live according to their gender identity, free from discrimination, and protected from hate propaganda and hate crimes.

Although this bill seems to be targeting “harassment, discrimination, and violence,” it can easily be interpreted to include Christians who lovingly and respectfully disagree with transgender identity because they start with God’s Word. In a culture that embraces, celebrates, and protects transgender behavior, will calling these behaviors sinful or wrong be considered hateful? It’s quite likely that eventually this could be the case. This is the direction the West seems to be going.

God’s Word—not popular opinion—needs to inform our views.

The further that Western nations stray from God’s Word, the more we will see bills like this being proposed. No longer is morality determined by the firm foundation of God’s Word. We now live in a day where everyone does what’s right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25), and the government seeks to protect these sinful behaviors. Those who disagree are labeled hateful and face punishment.

As religious freedom continues declining across the West, we need to remain bold in standing on God’s Word. Many Christians are falling into the trap of adopting the views of the world, but God’s Word—not popular opinion—needs to inform our views. And God’s Word is clear on gender.

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)

Instead of encouraging people to embrace sinful behavior, we need to lovingly point out sin and direct people to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Ignoring sin isn’t a loving thing to do—showing people that God’s Word says that we’re all sinners (Romans 3:23) and that Jesus died and rose again that we might be forgiven and have eternal life (John 3:16–17; Romans 10:9) is the most loving thing we could ever do. And this is the message the dying world desperately needs to hear.

In the past, people have been sawed in two, thrown to the lions, or burned at the stake because they would not compromise their stand on God’s Word. What are we going to be called to do?

Learn more about a biblical answer to transgender identity in the Answers magazine article, “Transgender Identity—Wishing Away God’s Design.”

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.