Bill looks to amend the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff has introduced a new Private Member's Bill focusing on religious diversity.
The "Protecting Ontario's Religious Diversity Act" looks to amend the Ontario Human Rights Code to specify all residents in the province have a right to equal treatment without discrimination based on religious expression.
If passed, the Bill would put religious expression as a prohibited grounds for discrimination.
"No one should have to fear practicing and expressing their faith," said MPP Oosterhoff. "As a multicultural and inclusive province, we need to stand together with people of all creeds and faith backgrounds to protect religious freedom and diversity, especially for minority faith communities. This includes the freedom of choice to wear a hijab, kippah, turban, cross or other form of religious expression and identity."
In July, Statistics Canada reported a 37 percent jump in police-reported hate crimes in 2020 over 2019.
Oosterhoff's office says the bill has received support from a number of Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Christian organizations and groups.
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