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Hate Speech In Canada

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Why a Total Reform of The Current Hate Speech Laws Needs to Happen The debate of hate speech versus free speech has been going on in Canada for as long as most Canadians can remember. In fact both Canada and America struggle with issues regarding hate speech versus free speech. There are many different sides to this argument. Many people saying that, we as a society need to “toughen up” and not focus on small versions of hate speech. Others showing that hate speech can lead to actual emotional damage. After doing some further research into the topic I decided on the later of the two arguments. Not only should hate speech be a criminal offence in Canada but we should also put efforts into redefining what hate speech is. In short, a total reform …show more content…

The problems that occur due to the lack of knowledge on the topic are frankly ridiculous, which I will further explain in depth later. I will also be explaining why hate speech is such an issue in Canada and how it only brings on further acts of violence. It may seem to some a long and tedious journey that is for no benefit, but implementing these new ideas will not only help those affected, but also the efficiency of the Canadian legal system as a whole, and enforcement of the new placed rules.
First we must ask what hate speech is, similar to explaining what is god, some will say it doesn 't exist, others will debate what it actually is or what it means. Hate speech unlike our other laws and rights has yet to be clearly defined to a point that you can say whether or not something is actually hate speech. This raises many issues regarding the actual belief of hate speech. In a famous case that showcased a neo-Nazi group that sought to …show more content…

The resolvement of these issues can lead to only positives, less mental trauma from those attacked or at the very least a sense of justice and closure. Hate speech is a slippery slope that can only lead to more crimes and punishments. Which is why we must make it a criminal offence. The clarification of hate speech can also lead to quicker and more efficient decisions in cases that present hate speech in them. I can not see a negative side coming from a reform regarding hate speech. People who oppose these changes can state that the reform will be a long and tedious process that produces little reward, but hate speech is one of the most common problems people face today. Solving this will clear up any confusion facing the many charges and also make cases go by fast. To anything an opposing side would say the easiest rebuttal would be: Is it worth it? The answer being, yes, the efficiency and clarification on an important rule is always better. If we make no changes we do not progress with this

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