Montreal, Ontario, Canada: A coalition of faith-based groups has raised concerns over the use of the term “Swastika” in Canada’s Bill C-9, warning that it could unintentionally infringe on religious freedoms.
Over 70 religious organisations nationwide have appealed to Canadian lawmakers to revise what they describe as a significant error in the wording of proposed anti-hate legislation, which conflates the ancient Swastika with the Nazi Hakenkreuz.
The coalition, which includes representatives from Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and interfaith organisations, has formally written to Parliament requesting adjustments to Bill C-9, also called the ‘Combating Hate Act,’ introduced by MP Sean Fraser on September 19, as well as Petition e-6625 tabled by MP Melissa Lantsman. While both initiatives aim to regulate hate symbols, coalition members argue that the current language could unintentionally criminalise religious practices for millions of Canadians.
The main concern centres on how the two legislative proposals describe the Nazi emblem. Bill C-9 refers to it as “the Nazi Hakenkreuz, also known as the Nazi Swastika,” whereas Petition e-6625 calls for “finally banning the Swastika.” Critics maintain that this wording inaccurately equates the Swastika—a centuries-old symbol of peace and prosperity in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism—with the Nazi symbol of hatred.
“This distinction in terminology is vital,” said Rishabh Saraswat, president of CoHNA Canada, a leading member of the coalition. “We are asking for a straightforward correction to ensure that Canada can fight hate while maintaining historical and religious accuracy.”
The coalition’s correspondence warns that the current phrasing could create a “legal minefield.” Bill C-9 allows prosecution for symbols “so nearly resembling” a prohibited emblem, raising fears that Canadians displaying Swastikas in religious ceremonies, homes, or festivals could face unwarranted legal scrutiny.
Earlier this year, Virginia in the U.S. passed legislation clearly differentiating the Nazi Hakenkreuz from the sacred Swastika. Similarly, Montreal police revised their hate crime guidelines, replacing references to “drawing a Swastika” with “graffitiing Nazi symbols” to avoid misunderstandings.
“Our request is straightforward: lawmakers should remove all mentions of the ‘Swastika’ and specifically refer to the banned emblem as the ‘Nazi Hakenkreuz,’” the coalition’s letter emphasises. Historical records confirm that Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime never called their symbol a Swastika, instead naming it the Hakenkreuz, meaning “hooked cross.” Early 20th-century Western media reports on the Nazis also used this terminology.
Mark Sandler, chair of the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism, supported the coalition’s concerns, noting that “banning the display of the Swastika without recognising its sacred significance to Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains could likely violate the Canadian Constitution.” Such a measure could infringe Section 2(a) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of religion and conscience.
The coalition highlighted real-world consequences caused by confusion over the symbol. Hindu Canadians have reported being questioned by authorities or flagged by landlords and employers for displaying Swastikas in private settings. Globally, similar incidents have occurred: a woman named Swastika was denied Uber service in Australia, and a UK caretaker lost his job because of a Swastika tattoo.
For years, Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist organisations have advocated for the government and media to avoid using the phrase “Nazi Swastika.” Police departments in Peel and Montreal have already updated training resources, while U.S. states like Virginia and California, along with Australian regions including Victoria and New South Wales, have made similar corrections.
The coalition believes that Canada has an opportunity to follow suit—ensuring both the fight against hate and the protection of religious freedoms are upheld.
