Criminal Code to be modernized

MPS MOVE TO KEEP RELIGIOUS PROTECTIONS IN CRIMINAL CODE CLEANUP EFFORTS

Disrupting a religious service is likely to remain a crime, since MPs on the House of Commons justice committee have agreed to change a controversial part of proposed legislation aimed at modernizing the Criminal Code.

This spring, the Liberal government moved to rid the Criminal Code of sections that are redundant or obsolete, including those which involve challenging someone to a duel or fraudulently pretending to practise witchcraft.

One of the changes proposed in Bill C-51 would have removed Section 176, which makes it a crime to use threat or force to obstruct a clergyman or minister from celebrating a worship service or carrying out any other duty related to his job.

That came under heavy criticism from a number of major religious groups, including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and B’nai Brith Canada, who urged MPs on the committee to keep that section in the Code.

The MPs also voted Wednesday to update the language so that it is gender neutral and refers to all religious and spiritual officiants, instead of just Christian clergy.

Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, who chairs the committee, said even though the section is rarely used, it is not without merit.

“It allowed many religious groups to feel recognized within the Criminal Code, to feel that their services had a special recognition and protection and we didn’t see the value in removing it,” Housefather said Thursday.