Liberal MP Marc Miller defends barring Bible verses like Leviticus 20:13 as hate speech defense, insisting worship is safe but incitement isn’t
Newsroom (04/11/2025, Gaudium Press ) Liberal MP Marc Miller is standing by his call to curb the use of religious bible texts as a defense in hate speech prosecutions, insisting that freedom of worship remains intact while public incitement to hatred must not be shielded by scripture.
Miller, who chairs the House of Commons Justice Committee, ignited controversy Thursday during a committee hearing when he questioned whether Canada’s Criminal Code grants excessive latitude for individuals to justify hate speech by citing biblical passages.
“There are religious texts that say [hateful things],” Miller told witnesses, pointing to Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Romans. “Clearly, there are situations in these texts where these statements are hateful. They should not be used to invoke or be a defence.”
In a follow-up post on X Friday, Miller sharpened his stance: “There should be no defence to the crime of publicly inciting hatred because, for example, someone relied on Leviticus 20:13 or Deuteronomy 22:22, which prescribe death to homosexuals and adulterers.”
The comments drew swift backlash from conservative commentators and religious advocates, who framed them as an assault on sacred texts and free expression.
“Mark Carney’s Minister wants to CONTROL which Bible passages can be read at church,” wrote political commentator Jasmin Laine on X, highlighting Miller’s references to verses deemed hostile to LGBTQ individuals.
Miller fired back on the platform: “That couldn’t be further from the truth. You can read whatever you want. However, if you commit a public hate crime, you shouldn’t be able to use it as defence to what otherwise would be a public hate crime. This isn’t rocket science.”
At issue is Section 319 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits the willful promotion or public incitement of hatred against identifiable groups. While Miller stopped short of tabling amendments, he pressed the committee to examine whether existing religious exemptions align with legislative intent.
“We have to be honest about what is being said, how it’s being justified, and whether our laws are working the way we say they are,” he said.
Every single Christian in Canada needs to hear about this. Spread it far and wide. pic.twitter.com/KBhktagDrR
— Canada Proud (@WeAreCanProud) October 31, 2025
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Juno News
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