The law to fight hate crimes based on religion and identity is welcomed by Indo-Canadians

Canadian Bill to Combat Hate Crimes Receives Cautious Support from Indo-Canadian Communities

The Canadian government has introduced a landmark bill aimed at preventing hate crimes targeting specific identity groups, including religious communities. Indo-Canadian organizations have cautiously welcomed the legislation, recognizing its potential to curb rising incidents of religiously motivated violence.

Under the proposed law, it would be a criminal offense to intimidate or prevent individuals from accessing places such as places of worship, schools, and community centers predominantly used by a specific population. By creating a separate offense for hate-motivated actions, the legislation seeks to ensure stronger condemnation of such acts and to hold offenders accountable. According to a press release from the Ministry of Justice, the bill also criminalizes the deliberate public display of symbols associated with hatred or terrorism to incite animosity against a particular community.

The bill comes almost a year after the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was violently attacked by pro-Khalistan demonstrators in November of last year. Over the previous two years, more than 20 similar incidents of temple desecration were reported across Canada, highlighting the need for stronger legal protections for religious institutions.

Recent events, including the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel, also led to targeted hate crimes against Jewish organizations and communities in Canada, prompting lawmakers to prioritize a more comprehensive legal response.

Clarifying the Use of Religious Symbols

One key aspect of the bill is its careful distinction between symbols. The law explicitly designates the Nazi Hakenkreuz (hooked cross) as the hate symbol used by Nazis and neo-Nazi groups, rather than using the swastika—a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Indo-Canadian communities have long campaigned against equating the swastika with Nazi imagery, emphasizing its traditional meaning of prosperity and well-being.

The legislation would also establish a “hate propaganda” offense, making it illegal to intentionally promote hatred against an identifiable group through the public display of certain symbols associated with terrorist organizations. Groups such as the International Sikh Youth Federation and Babbar Khalsa International, which support Khalistan, are specifically mentioned in this context.

Support from Indo-Canadian Organizations

The bill has been warmly welcomed by the Canadian branch of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA Canada). The organization praised provisions that make hate speech illegal and prohibit intimidation or obstruction of individuals in religious, educational, and community spaces. “We have witnessed over two dozen attacks against Hindu temples in recent years, including violence against devotees and organized invasions,” the statement read.

While expressing support, CoHNA Canada emphasized that the real measure of the bill’s effectiveness will depend on its implementation and enforcement. The organization also reiterated concerns about referring to the Nazi Hakenkreuz as “also known as the swastika,” urging that the sacred term not be misappropriated in the context of hate crimes.

The Vishwa Jain Sangathan Canada also endorsed the government’s efforts to strengthen legislation against hate crimes and expressed solidarity with Jewish and other communities facing such threats. Its president, Vijay Jain, requested that the term “swastika” be removed from the proposed law. “Swastika is a Sanskrit word that symbolizes prosperity and well-being for all,” he said. “It is widely used in Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religious scriptures, prayers, and ceremonies. Associating it with hate deprives our communities of their right to practice their Religion freely.”

By making these distinctions, the bill seeks to protect religious freedoms while ensuring that hate-motivated acts are clearly criminalized. The proposed legislation represents a significant step forward in addressing rising incidents of Hinduphobia, anti-Semitism, and other forms of religiously motivated hate in Canada.