Canadian MP Calls for Ban on 'Hateful' Bible Verses
OTTAWA — A prominent Canadian Member of Parliament has labeled specific Bible passages condemning homosexuality as “hateful” and argued that reciting them publicly should not be shielded by “good faith” defenses under hate propaganda laws, potentially warranting criminal charges.
Marc Miller, Liberal MP and Chairman of the House of Commons Justice and Human Rights Committee, made the remarks during a hearing on hate speech legislation, LifeSiteNews reports.
Citing Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Romans, Miller stated: “There’s clear hatred towards, for example, homosexuals... Clearly there are situations in these texts where these statements are hateful. They should not be used to invoke a defense, and there should perhaps be discretion for prosecutors to press charges.”
Miller challenged witness Derek Ross, Executive Director of the Christian Legal Fellowship, on allowing religious texts as a “good faith” exemption. Ross countered that characterizing Bible passages as “categorically hateful” risks silencing faith-based dialogue and warned Canadians if MPs view scripture this way.
Critics decried the comments as an attack on religious freedom. Alberta MLA Dan Williams called it “abhorrent,” accusing Miller of implying Christians and Jews are “steeped in hatred.” Online backlash highlighted Miller’s profane response to Williams as unbefitting a parliamentarian.
Last month, the UOJ reported that the Canadian province of Quebec moved to ban public prayer.
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