OTTAWA — Canada’s special envoy for combating antisemitism is “very interested” in exploring the idea of removing religion as a possible defence against hate speech charges, she said Thursday, raising concern about creating a possible chill on religious expression.

Deborah Lyons, whose title also includes preserving Holocaust remembrance, made the comment before a parliamentary committee that is studying antisemitism on university campuses.

The Criminal Code says people shouldn't be convicted of hatred or antisemitism if, 'in good faith,' they expressed an opinion 'on a religious subject'{ai:summary}<p>Canada's envoy against antisemitism considers removing religion as a defense for hate speech. Concerns arise over impact on religious expression. #society</p>

Removing religion as a defence for hate speech is worth examining, antisemitism envoy tells MPs

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