What is Bill C-415?
By J.M.Dass
Canadian NDP MP, Svend Robinson, a self-acknowledged homosexual introduced
Bill C-415 on November 22, 2001. This Bill came up for second reading in
the House of Commons on May 29, 2002 after it was selected as a votable
Bill.
This Bill expands the definition of 'identifiable groups' relating to
the area of genocide (Section 318) and hate propaganda (Section 319) in
the Criminal Code and includes all those distinguished by their sexual orientation.
Currently the 'identifiable groups' are distinguished by their colour, race,
religion or ethnic origin.
If this Bill is inducted and passed it can have serious implications
and could gravely effect faith groups, publicly opposing homosexuality.
Anyone found promoting or advocating genocide or inciting hatred within
the 'identifiable groups' would be punished under the law. In case of 'genocide'
a person convicted could do upto 5 years of prison term whereas under 'hate
crime' a total of 2 years.
Since the term 'sexual orientation' does not distinguish between people
and their sexual preference, this Bill poses a threat to those opposing
homosexuality. This could include Christian clergies speaking in the Church,
meetings, conferences or magazines or websites publishing things contrary
to the homosexual lifestyle.
Pastors could spend time in jail if they preach from the text in the
Bible condemning homosexuality. The very passage in the Bible could become
'hate literature' and be banned and Bible reading of those passages may
qualify as 'hate speech'. This Bill threatens freedom of speech. Personal
views on homosexuality's moral ethics, could also result in imprisonment.
This could also include a mere suggestion, of homosexuality being a sinful
lifestyle or even to argue that homosexuals should not be allowed to donate
blood because of the risk of them transmitting HIV/AIDS.
Similar to Canada, an amendment was made in the constitution of Sweden
last June. This amendment entails the groups as per their sexual orientation,
that are protected against 'hate speech'. The amendment is awaiting approval.
If passed and enacted, anything said against homosexuals would carry a prison
sentence for upto four years.
Not only Christianity, any other religion whether it be Islam, Hinduism
or Judaism faces a similar danger from this Bill.
As per Brian Rushfeldt, the hate crime charges when brought before the
courts could have the following consequences:
- The Bible, at least certain portions of the Bible, may be declared
"hate literature."
- Churches will not be able to mention certain Scriptures.
- Clergy may be subjected to criminal charges if they refuse to marry
homosexuals.
- Parents may be subjected to criminal charges if they refuse to allow
their children to attend classes that teach about and promote homosexual
behavior.
- Expressing disagreement with homosexual behavior or the homosexual
agenda, either verbally or in writing, would be considered hate propaganda.
- Educators, including those at private religious schools, will not
be able to refuse to teach homosexual curriculum.
- Religious institutions will not be allowed to teach anything non-supportive
of homosexual sex.
- Canadian Blood Services will not be allowed to screen risk-behavior
donors.
- Governments (including local municipalities) will be prevented from
passing (even debating) sex standards laws.
This Bill has slipped through two readings in the House of Commons without
any opposition. Many a Canadians including MPs were and still are, unaware,
as this Bill slithers through various procedures. For Christians, this Bill
is a deadly weapon, which Satan intends to use, for he knows his time is
short. Let us all voice our opinion and educate each other in the process.
It is imperative that we are aware of what is happening around us, believe
it or not, this Bill will effect each and everyone of us. And for our friends
in the United States, it is probable that this kind of legislation may become
a law in your country too. Let us all in our very own way do whatever we
can to defeat this Bill.
Jesus speaking of His second coming said, "But as the days of Noe were,
so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" Matthew 24:37. Genesis 6
gives us a clear picture of how the days were at Noah's time, "The earth
also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And
God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had
corrupted his way upon the earth. " Genesis 6:11 & 12.
Bible is specific, that at Noah's time the society was violent and corrupt.
If a 'corrupt' society at Noah's time could invoke a global flood where
all mankind (except for six) was wiped off, what would our present society
be worthy of ?
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift
up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" Luke 21:28
*****
Update: October
25, 2002 - Bill C 415 has been sent back to the Justice Committee and is
now called C 250
Canada Family Action Coalition is actively following this Bill, their
website www.family
action.org posts regular updates and alerts on this subject.
Related Articles and Links:
House of Commons of Canada - Bill C-415 - Canadian Parliament
House of Commons of Canada - Bill C-415 (PDF format)
Why Bill C-415 is Ill Advised - FamilyAction.org
Closing down public debate on the homosexual issue - PAOC.org
The Bible as 'hate literature'? - WorldNetDaily.com
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