Canadian Lawmaker Blames ‘MAGA Religious Extremism’ as Government Moves to Criminalize Bible Verses

A Canadian Liberal MP has sparked widespread alarm by claiming that “MAGA religious extremism” is responsible for the public backlash against the federal government’s push to criminalize portions of the Bible under Canada’s increasingly Orwellian “hate speech” regime.

The comments come as the Liberal government advances Bill C-9, legislation that critics warn could make it a criminal offense to publicly quote or read certain passages of Scripture deemed offensive by the state.

The proposal has ignited backlash from conservatives, faith leaders, and civil liberties advocates who say the bill represents a direct assault on religious freedom in Canada.

Conservatives Warn of Criminalizing Scripture

Andrew Lawton, a Conservative Member of Parliament, sounded the alarm in a video posted on X.

Lawton is urging Canadians to push back against what he described as a coordinated Liberal attack on religious liberty.

“Canadians need to stop the Liberal attack on religious freedom,” Lawton said.

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He was referring to Bill C-9, formally known as the Combating Hate Act.

Conservative MPs warn that the legislation could criminalize Biblical teachings on homosexuality and allow the prosecution of individuals who quote Scripture in good faith.

Liberals Invoke “MAGA” to Deflect Criticism

In response to Lawton’s video, Liberal MP John Paul Danko accused conservatives of importing American politics into Canada.

“Importing MAGA religious extremism to Canada, and complete alignment with @realDonaldTrump Anger, division and weird conspiracy theories – this is @PierrePoilievre‘s @CPC_HQ,” Danko wrote.

Importing MAGA religious extremism to Canada, and complete alignment with @realDonaldTrump

Anger, division and weird conspiracy theories – this is @PierrePoilievre's @CPC_HQ https://t.co/Nw3jEgvKyC

— John-Paul Danko (@JohnPaulDanko) January 14, 2026

Lawton fired back, accusing Danko of openly endorsing the criminalization of religious texts.

“[Danko] says it’s ‘MAGA religious extremism’ to think Canadians shouldn’t be charged for quoting certain verses of the Bible or Torah, as his colleague Marc Miller says should happen,” Lawton responded.

“You should come out to one of our town halls, JP,” he added.

“You might learn something.”

Liberal MP @JohnPaulDanko says it's "MAGA religious extremism" to think Canadians shouldn't be charged for quoting certain verses of the Bible or Torah, as his colleague Marc Miller says should happen.

You should come out to one of our town halls, JP. You might learn something. https://t.co/1qmETaKJku

— Andrew Lawton (@AndrewLawton) January 14, 2026

Liberal Minister Previously Called for Jailing Christians

The controversy has intensified due to past remarks from Liberal MP Marc Miller, who previously stated that certain passages of the Bible are “hateful” because of what they say about homosexuality and argued that those who recite such passages should be jailed.

Miller was later appointed as a government minister by Canada’s globalist PM Mark Carney, raising further concerns among critics that these views are now shaping official government policy.

Bill C-9 Targets Religious Speech

Lawton has repeatedly warned that Bill C-9 is “very dangerous” legislation that squarely targets freedom of religion and expression.

“The bill is supposed to protect communities from hate, but actually will send people to jail for up to two years if they express a religious view or even cite a religious scripture the government finds offensive,” he said.

“My Conservative colleagues and I have been 100 percent clear.

“We have been unequivocal that we will not stand for this attack on religious freedom and freedom of expression for Canadians.”

The bill was introduced last year by Sean Fraser and has drawn fierce criticism from constitutional experts who warn it gives police and government officials sweeping discretion to punish speech based on subjective claims of offense or hurt feelings.

Religious Exception Removed

Adding to the backlash, the Carney government recently passed amendments removing a religious exemption from Bill C-9, meaning clergy, believers, and lay citizens would no longer be shielded from prosecution for quoting Scripture.

The move was condemned by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, which issued an open letter blasting the amendment and urging the Liberal government to reverse course.

Conservatives Mobilize Nationwide

Lawton is currently touring Canada, hosting “Religious Freedom” town halls, with a major event scheduled for January 20 in Brampton, Ontario, hosted alongside multiple Conservative MPs.

For critics, the direction is deeply disturbing.

Under Canada’s Liberal government, long-standing protections for religious expression are being dismantled, while opposition is dismissed as “extremism.”

As Bill C-9 advances, conservatives warn that Canada is moving toward a system where reading the Bible in public could be treated as a criminal act, all in the name of combating “hate.”

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