Facing criticism for his government's proposed anti-hate speech legislation, Premier Philippe Couillard reiterated Friday that freedom of speech includes the right to be stupid and to mock religion.
Bill 59 has been criticized for not being specific in its definition of hate speech, and for giving broad powers to the Human Rights Commission to define and investigate hate speech.
During public hearings last week many groups said the bill wasn't necessary, and would lead to confusion or to more problems for minority groups, in addition to stifling dissent.
Others said the bill should be explicit in its definition of hate speech, and penalize those who criticize religion.
On Friday Premier Couillard said he disagreed with turning discussion of religions into a sacred cow.
"Freedom of expression means even saying stupid things, or even ridiculous things, but then it's up to you. It's up to us to say that's why it's ridiculous and why it shouldn't be said, but not to bar somebody for saying this. The line has to be traced in the sand though and for us the line is calling for violence," said Couillard.
The public hearings on Bill 59 resume in mid-September.
