Swastika is faith, not hatred!
While Indian media outlets reported this decision, Canadian and other global media gave it no coverage. This reflects the depth of anti-Hindu bias in global media coverage. — Editor, HJS
Canada has taken a significant step towards protecting religious freedom and cultural sensitivity by amending Bill C-9, a proposed update to the country’s Criminal Code aimed at curbing hate propaganda and hate symbols.
Bill C-9 was introduced to strengthen legal provisions against the public display and promotion of symbols linked to Nazi ideology and other hate-driven movements, particularly those glorifying genocide or racial violence. However, controversy arose when the initial draft language referred to the ‘Swastika’ without distinction, raising fears that an ancient religious symbol could be criminalised alongside Nazi imagery.
Following extensive deliberations, a Standing Committee of the Parliament of Canada approved a crucial amendment, completely removing ‘Swastika’ from the bill’s draft. The law will now apply exclusively to Nazi-associated hate symbols, such as the Hakenkreuz, and will not extend to religious symbols used in Hindu, Jain, or Buddhist traditions.
BREAKING: In a significant legislative victory on Bill C-9, the problematic Swastika terminology has been corrected. As one of the organizations that led the opposition, CoHNA celebrates this move and congratulates the combined interfaith advocacy that helped secure this change.… pic.twitter.com/asHOhIj3J0
— CoHNA Canada (@CoHNACanada) December 10, 2025
This amendment marks a decisive turning point and establishes a clear legal distinction between symbols rooted in hatred and violence, and those representing faith, peace, and well-being.
The Swastika is one of the oldest and most sacred symbols of Hinduism. Derived from Sanskrit, its meaning is “that which is auspicious”. It is central to religious practices including worship, yajnas, weddings, house-warmings, and festivals. The symbol represents the four directions, the four Vedas, and the four purusharthas — Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
In Jain and Buddhist traditions as well, the Swastika symbolises peace, harmony, good fortune, and spiritual balance. Its history spans thousands of years and predates Nazi Germany by millennia. Conflating this sacred symbol with Nazi ideology is historically inaccurate and culturally insensitive.
This amendment sends a clear message that legislation must be framed with historical understanding and respect for religious diversity. Within Canada’s multicultural framework, the change reinforces the principle that combating hatred must not come at the cost of misrepresenting ancient faiths.
