{"id":51028,"date":"2023-01-19T21:27:51","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T21:27:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oykhmancriminaldefence.com\/faq\/?p=51028"},"modified":"2025-09-17T02:18:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T02:18:16","slug":"public-incitement-hatred-charges-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/public-incitement-hatred-charges-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Incitement of Hatred (s. 319) Laws in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1440px + 50px );margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h3>What is public incitement of hatred in Canada? <strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Public incitement of hatred is covered under s.319 of the Criminal Code. For a broader overview of hate-promotion offences, see our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/hate-propaganda-charges-canada\/\">Hate Propaganda Laws in Canada<\/a>\u00a0FAQ.<\/p>\n<p>Public incitement of hatred is often referred to as a hate-motivated crime. Before the police can charge you with an offence under s.319 of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>they need to conduct an investigation and get consent from the attorney general to prosecute the offence.<\/p>\n<p>Under s.319 of the <em>Criminal Code, <\/em>two separate offences are created through subsections (1) and (2). Both of the offences under s.319 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em> are hybrid offences which means that depending on the circumstances of your case the Crown can proceed either summarily or by indictment.<\/p>\n<h3>Examples<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Some common examples of public incitement of hatred include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Spray painting comments that call for violence on public transit property<\/li>\n<li>Posting Facebook comments attacking a race; if directed at a specific person and containing false statements, this could also engage\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/defamatory-libel-charges-canada\/\">defamatory libel laws<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Spray painting hate speech on a church<\/li>\n<li>Burning a cross\u2014if property is damaged, this may also lead to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/arson-charges-canada\/\">arson charges<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Defences<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Some defences against a public incitement of hatred charge include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Identity<\/li>\n<li>Lack of intent and<\/li>\n<li>Any applicable <em>Charter <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For offences under s.319 (2) of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>additional defences, under s.319(3) of the <em>Criminal Code, <\/em>include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Establishing that the statements communicated were true;<\/li>\n<li>Establishing that you, in good faith, expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text;<\/li>\n<li>Establishing that the statements were relevant to any subject of public interest, the discussion of which was for the public benefit, and if on reasonable grounds he believed them to be true; or<\/li>\n<li>Establishing that you, in good faith, intended to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters producing or tending to produce feelings of hatred toward an identifiable group in Canada<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Punishments<\/h3>\n<p><strong>If you have been convicted of an offence under s.319 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em> you may be subject to the following penalties:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Summary= two years less a day in jail and\/or a $5,000.00 fine<\/li>\n<li>Indictment= two years in jail<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This means that depending on the circumstances of your case the crown can elect to proceed either summarily or by indictment. Incitement of hatred is prosecuted harshly, and you could receive jail time if you are convicted. However, there are other penalties available to you as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h2>Overview of the Offence<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Under s.319 (1) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>Every one who, by communicating statements in any public place, incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace is guilty of<\/p>\n<p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0an offence punishable on summary conviction.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p><strong>Under s.319 (2) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>Every one who, by communicating statements, other than in private conversation, wilfully promotes hatred against any identifiable group is guilty of<\/p>\n<p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0an offence punishable on summary conviction.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p>Two separate offences are defined by s.319(1) and 319(2) of the Criminal Code. The first one, under subsection (1), involves statements made in a public place, inciting hatred for an identifiable group and likely to result in a breach of the peace. The second offence, under subsection (2), involves statements made, other than in private conversation, that willfully promote hatred of an identifiable group. Where speech involves threats or coercion rather than the promotion of hatred per se, related offences like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/intimidation-charges-canada\/\">intimidation<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/uttering-threats-charges-canada\/\">uttering threats<\/a>\u00a0may also be in play.<\/p>\n<p>The first offence suggests an immediate danger. It does not contain the word \u201cwillfully\u201d.\u00a0 The requirement is only that the incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace. There is no requirement that the person intends to promote or incite anything<\/p>\n<p>In order to secure a conviction of incitement of public hatred the Crown must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, both the actus reus and mens rea of public incitement of hatred.<\/p>\n<h3>Actus Reus (The Guilty Act)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The actus reus that the Crown must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, to convict you of public incitement of hatred is that you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You communicated statements;<\/li>\n<li>In a public place; and<\/li>\n<li>You incited hatred against an identifiable group;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For the purposes of s.319(2) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em> the actus reus would also include the following element:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You promoted hatred<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An identifiable group refers to any section of the public distinguished by color, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or menta or physical disability.<\/p>\n<p>Communicating, under s.319 of the Criminal Code includes communicating by telephone, broadcasting or other audible or visible means. Persistent, unwanted communications may also constitute\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/criminal-harassment-charges-canada\/\">criminal harassment<\/a>\u00a0in some circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>A public place is defined to include any place to which the public have access as a right or by invitation, express or implied.<\/p>\n<p>For the purposes of s.319(2) of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>to prove that you promoted hatred the judge needs to consider the totality of the evidence before them.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This would include taking into consideration factors such as:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The terminology used\/history of the ethnic group<\/li>\n<li>The location;<\/li>\n<li>Your actions and speech;<\/li>\n<li>The context of your speech or words; and<\/li>\n<li>Any symbols or banners used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Mens Reus (The Guilty Mind)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The mens rea that the Crown must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, to convict you of public incitement of hatred under s.319 (1) of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>is that:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You had the intention to promote hatred<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This means that the Crown has to prove that you in fact possessed the requisite intention to communicate statements, in a public place, and to incite hatred against an identifiable group.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The mens rea that the crown must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, to convict you of public incitement of hatred under s.319 (2) of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>is that:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You wilfully promoted hatred<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For offences under s.319(2) of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>the minimum mens rea requirement is wilful blindness and not mere recklessness. This means that there needs to be a subjective element of intent. You must have intended that the statements as communicated, promote hatred. There must be either a conscious purpose for the promotion of hatred or you must have foreseen that the promotion of hatred was almost certain to result.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-2 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 42px 60px 40px 60px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:20px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:20px;margin-left:0px;\"><h3 class=\"title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;color:#ffffff;--fontSize:24;line-height:1.36;\">Are you being investigated by the police for a criminal offence?<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-top:20px;margin-right:20px;\"><p>Learn about precharge legal advice and how it can help you to avoid being charged with a criminal offence in the first place.<\/p>\n<\/div><div ><style>.fusion-button.button-1{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.fusion-button.button-1 .fusion-button-text{text-transform:uppercase;}<\/style><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat fusion-button-default-size button-default button-1 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type cta-btn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UffiFxzDq4A&amp;t=8s\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text\">Watch Video<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;margin-top : 35px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 42px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><h3>Defences<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A strong defence depends entirely on the specific circumstances of your case and the evidence against you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>However, some common defences to a public incitement of hatred charge may include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Identity<\/li>\n<li>Lack of intent; and<\/li>\n<li>Any applicable <em>Charter <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Identity<\/h3>\n<p>The Crown needs to prove its identity beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the Crown must prove that it was you who committed the offence. This can often be difficult if there are no witnesses if there were conditions present that prevented a witness from identifying you, or if the offence was captured by poor-quality surveillance footage. Sometimes mistakes do happen, the authorities could have made a mistake in identifying you as the perpetrator based on the poor quality of the footage. Your defence lawyer may be able to argue that the Crown cannot definitively prove that it was you who committed the offence, resulting in an acquittal.<\/p>\n<h3>Lack of intent<\/h3>\n<p>It is a defence to the charge of public incitement of hatred if you did not possess the requisite intent. The Crown must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that both the actus reus and mens rea of a public incitement of hatred charge are met in order to secure a conviction. As such, if you did not posess the requisite intent to communicate statements, in a public place, and to incite hatred against an identifiable group, you cannot be convicted of fraud as the mens rea element would not be satisfied.<\/p>\n<h3>Applicable <em>Charter <\/em>defences<\/h3>\n<p>The <em>Charter <\/em>sets out your rights before and after arrest. In the event the police fail to abide by these rights, you may have an applicable <em>Charter <\/em>defence to your charge:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Common <em>Charter <\/em>breaches include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Section 8- Right to be secure from search and seizure;<\/li>\n<li>Section 9- Right not to be arbitrarily detained;<\/li>\n<li>Section 10- Right to be informed of reasons for detention or arrest:<\/li>\n<li>Section 11- General: legal rights apply to those &#8220;charged with an offence&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Section 12- Cruel and unusual treatment or punishment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If any of your charter rights have been violated, you may be in a position to have any evidence obtained during the breach excluded.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For offences under s.319(2) of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>additional defences, under s.319 (3) of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Establishing that the statements communicated were true;<\/li>\n<li>Establishing that you, in good faith, expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text;<\/li>\n<li>Establishing that the statements were relevant to any subject of public interest, the discussion of which was for the public benefit, and if on reasonable grounds he believed them to be true; or<\/li>\n<li>Establishing that you, in good faith, intended to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters producing or tending to produce feelings of hatred toward an identifiable group in Canada<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you are able to prove that any of the defences listed under s.319(3) of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>are applicable to your case, you will not be convicted of an offence under s.319 (2) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><h3>Punishment<\/h3>\n<p>Public incitement of hatred is a hybrid offence which means that the Crown may proceed by indictment or summarily, depending on the circumstances of your case. The following penalties may be applicable:<\/p>\n<h3>s.319 \u2013 Summary<\/h3>\n<p>If you are convicted of public incitement of hatred and the Crown elected to proceed summarily, you can face up to two years less a day in jail and\/ or a $5,000.00 fine.<\/p>\n<p>You will also have available to you a discharge, suspended sentence, stand-alone fine, custody and probation, and a conditional sentence.<\/p>\n<h3>s.319 \u2013 Indictment<\/h3>\n<p>If you are convicted of public incitement of hatred and the Crown elected to proceed by indictment, you can face up to two years in jail.<\/p>\n<p>You will also have available to you a discharge, suspended sentence, stand-alone fine, custody and probation, and a conditional sentence.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-51028-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-51028-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-51028-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-51028-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-51028-1\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-984e826f3994d8704 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-984e826f3994d8704 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-984e826f3994d8704 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"984e826f3994d8704\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51028-1\" data-target=\"#984e826f3994d8704\" href=\"#984e826f3994d8704\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What is considered hate speech in Canada<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"984e826f3994d8704\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Hate speech refers to deliberate, abusive and threatening speech against an identifiable group of people. Identifiable groups can include different racial groups, genders, sexual orientations and more.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-0e8ebea8630638845 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-0e8ebea8630638845 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-0e8ebea8630638845 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"0e8ebea8630638845\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51028-1\" data-target=\"#0e8ebea8630638845\" href=\"#0e8ebea8630638845\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">When did hate speech become illegal in Canada?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"0e8ebea8630638845\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Hate speech became illegal in Canada in 1990 with the Supreme Court decision in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ca\/scc\/doc\/1990\/1990canlii24\/1990canlii24.html?autocompleteStr=r%20v%20keegstra&amp;autocompletePos=1\"><em>R. v. Keegstra,<\/em> [1990] 3 SCR 697<\/a>, discussed below.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-9922b4200bdfee4d3 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-1 .panel-9922b4200bdfee4d3 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-9922b4200bdfee4d3 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"9922b4200bdfee4d3\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51028-1\" data-target=\"#9922b4200bdfee4d3\" href=\"#9922b4200bdfee4d3\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What is Bill C 36?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"9922b4200bdfee4d3\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Bill C 36 amended the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>, the <em>Canadian Human Rights Act<\/em> (\u201c<em>CHRA<\/em>\u201d) and the <em>Youth Criminal Justice Act <\/em>to create new legislative options that address hate promotion and protect people from hate crimes. Bill C 36 added s.13 to the <em>CHRA<\/em>, which made it a discriminatory practice to communicate or cause to be communicated hate speech by means of the Internet or by other means of telecommunication. Under s.13 of the <em>CHRA <\/em>the Canadian Human Rights Commission can receive complaints regarding violations of the new section, and it allows the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to adjudicate any disputes and to order remedies, such as ordering a person to cease and\/or redress a discriminatory practice, provide financial compensation to the victim or pay a penalty.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\"><h2>Published Decisions<\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-51028-2 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-51028-2 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-51028-2 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-51028-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-51028-2\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-4bfc40270e95f1d22 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-4bfc40270e95f1d22 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-4bfc40270e95f1d22 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"4bfc40270e95f1d22\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51028-2\" data-target=\"#4bfc40270e95f1d22\" href=\"#4bfc40270e95f1d22\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">R. v Rehberg, 2010 NSPC 101<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"4bfc40270e95f1d22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>In this case, the accused and his brother erected a wooden cross on the front yard of a bi-racial couple&#8217;s house and set it afire. The accused was charged and convicted under s.319(1) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>You can read the full case <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ns\/nspc\/doc\/2010\/2010nspc101\/2010nspc101.html?searchUrlHash=AAAAAQAcUHVibGljIEluY2l0ZW1lbnQgb2YgSGF0cmVkIAAAAAAB&amp;resultIndex=2\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-82630b94cdbcf3b10 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-82630b94cdbcf3b10 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-82630b94cdbcf3b10 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"82630b94cdbcf3b10\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51028-2\" data-target=\"#82630b94cdbcf3b10\" href=\"#82630b94cdbcf3b10\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">R. v. Keegstra, 1990 3 SCR 697<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"82630b94cdbcf3b10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>In this case, the accused was a high school teacher who communicated to his students several negative remarks about the Jewish community. He attributed to Jewish people evil qualities and expressed doubt as to the occurrence of the Holocaust.\u00a0 The accused was charged under s.319(2) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>. The accused objected on the ground that s.319(2) infringed upon his right to freedom of expression pursuant to s.2(b) of the <em>Charter<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ca\/scc\/doc\/1990\/1990canlii24\/1990canlii24.html?autocompleteStr=r%20v%20keegstra&amp;autocompletePos=1\">here.<\/a><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-a249c6c4e514a7e3a .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51028-2 .panel-a249c6c4e514a7e3a .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-a249c6c4e514a7e3a fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"a249c6c4e514a7e3a\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51028-2\" data-target=\"#a249c6c4e514a7e3a\" href=\"#a249c6c4e514a7e3a\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">R. v. Harding, 2001 CanLII 21272 (ON CA)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"a249c6c4e514a7e3a\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>In this case, the accused was charged with and convicted of wilfully promoting hatred, contrary to s.319(2) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>, against Muslims in publications and telephone messages. The accused stated that all Muslims are capable of terrorism and cruelty and are part of the conspiracy to take over non-Muslim societies<\/p>\n<p>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/on\/onca\/doc\/2001\/2001canlii21272\/2001canlii21272.html\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Public incitement of hatred under Section 319 of the Criminal Code involves promoting hatred against an identifiable group in a public space. It\u2019s a serious offence that can lead to jail time. Our lawyers can help you understand the charges and protect your freedom of expression.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":52028,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[129],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51028","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Public Incitement of Hatred (s. 319) Laws in Canada | Strategic Criminal Defence FAQ<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/public-incitement-hatred-charges-canada\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Public Incitement of Hatred (s. 319) Laws in Canada | Strategic Criminal Defence FAQ\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Public incitement of hatred under Section 319 of the Criminal Code involves promoting hatred against an identifiable group in a public space. 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Oykhman\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/faq\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/avatar_user_9_1694196842.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/faq\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/avatar_user_9_1694196842.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\\\/faq\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/avatar_user_9_1694196842.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Michael Oykhman\"},\"description\":\"Michael Oykhman Senior Criminal Lawyer Michael Oykhman is a senior lawyer and founder of Strategic Criminal Defence, a full-service criminal law firm with central law offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Toronto, and Victoria. 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It\u2019s a serious offence that can lead to jail time. 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