Sexual-Orientation Hate Propaganda: Time To Regroup
Marie-France Major · Canadian Journal of Law and Society / Revue Canadienne Droit et Société · 1996
Abstract TheCriminal Codecontains two articles that deal specifically with hate propaganda. Articles 318 and 319 of theCodeare not the result of an arbitrary measure taken by the Canadian legislator: they were enacted on the basis that it was necessary to offer protection to identifiable groups from propagators of hate. Although it is impossible to afford recourse against hate propaganda to all Canadian citizens, the present definition of identifiable groups must be expanded to include within its ambit those who are targeted because of their sexual orientation. This inclusion would signify to society at large that hate propaganda directed against gays and lesbians is unacceptable behavior and it would assure members of the homosexual community that they are full-fledged members of society. If we are to have laws to meet the concerns of special victimized groups, we must ensure that protection is given to all those who need it.