The PQ is calling on the Couillard government to scrap proposed legislation aimed at targeting hate speech.
The opposition calls Bill 59 a threat to freedom of expression.
After the weekend controversy over Gala les Olivier, a fresh debate is brewing over freedom of expression and censorship at the National Assembly.
Two comedians boycotted the awards show Sunday night after their skit was pulled because the producer's insurance company thought it could trigger lawsuits.
“It's a bitter taste of what's to come if Bill 59 is adopted,” said Parti Quebecois MNA and secularism critic Agnes Maltais.
The PQ is asking the government to drop its proposed anti-hate speech legislation, arguing it will push political correctness too far and stifle freedom of expression.
“Which is really very bad for society - for an advanced society. It’s bad for democracy,” said Maltais.
Justice Minister Stephanie Vallee argues the bill has a specific target.
“Hate speech is at the basis of radicalism that will lead to violence. This is what we're aiming at, but in the same bill, we're also putting up measures that will protect more vulnerable people,” she said.
The bill would give more power to the Quebec Human Rights Commission, including the power to investigate anonymous complaints. That could lead to charges in front of Quebec's human rights tribunal and fines ranging from $2000 to $250,000.
Maltais said defamation law and the Criminal Code already give authorities the tools they need to crack down on hate speech.
Vallee said she wants to do more.
“We also have a lot of provinces in Canada that do have civil legislation regarding hate speech as well. This bill did not just come out of my head,” she said.
She said there are currently no plans to take the bill off the table.
