MP Zimmer Pleased with Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights Decision

OTTAWA – Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies and Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast is extremely pleased that the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights has accepted the amendment proposed by Conservative Shadow Minister Rob Nicholson.

Liberal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould introduced Bill C-51 which included a clause that would remove section 176 from the Criminal Code, a section that provides specific protection for clergy and anyone taking part in religious services.

“We are hearing more and more about specific attacks based on religion and this is definitely not the time to be reducing protections, if anything we should be doing all we can to ensure that these acts of violence are punished more severely,” said Mr. Zimmer. “I’m very pleased that this committee was able to work together, to listen to the witnesses and the evidence that was presented, and to ultimately make the right decision.”

Bill C-51 will return to the House of Commons for 3rd reading before being sent to the Senate for their consideration.

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