Would Bill C-415 lead to prosecution of people quoting from the Bible?
Yes. Those portions of the Bible which condemn homosexual behaviour might indeed result in prosecution if quoted in an advertisement or speech or website. The evidence is clear that the publication of portions of the Bible has already resulted in prosecution. For example, Hugh Owens published an advertisement in a local newspaper that included quotations from Leviticus, the third book of the Bible, against homosexual behaviour. Owens was convicted of discrimination against homosexuals by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. The case is under appeal. Whether his appeal is upheld or not, the point is that Mr Owens has been subjected to prosecution and onerous legal costs for quoting from the Bible. The same people who launched the complaint against Owens advertisement before the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission could petition for prosecuting him under Canada s hate law if Bill C-415 is passed. Prosecution under Canada s hate law requires the permission of the provincial Attorney
