Jewish organizations across Canada are expressing strong support for new legislation that would criminalize the promotion of terrorist groups and activities. The private member's bill, tabled by Conservative MP Roman Baber, comes amid what many describe as a dramatic increase in public displays supporting banned terrorist entities.
Bill Targets Willful Promotion of Terror
Bill C-257 passed its first reading in the House of Commons on Monday, November 20, 2025. Sponsored by York Centre MP Roman Baber, the legislation seeks to amend the Criminal Code to specifically outlaw the willful promotion of terrorist activity or terrorist organizations.
Richard Robertson of B'nai Brith Canada told media outlets that his organization welcomes any legislation that helps combat rising extremism and radicalization. "We are seeing the continued rise of extremism and radicalization, and as a component of that we are seeing the normalization of the glorification and promotion of the actions and ideology of listed terrorist entities," Robertson stated.
Public Displays of Terror Support Prompt Concern
The legislation arrives as Canada witnesses increasingly brazen public displays supporting terrorist organizations, particularly since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. At rallies across the country, participants have been observed displaying flags, signs, and costumes associated with banned groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Samidoun.
During Monday's Palestinian flag-raising ceremony at Toronto City Hall, social media videos captured a woman wearing a red keffiyeh explicitly stating "I love Hamas" while making a triangle gesture with her fingers. The red triangle symbol is used by Hamas to mark targets of terrorist violence. The woman added, "All your hostages love Hamas," referring to Israeli captives taken during the October 7 attacks.
Antisemitism Crisis Demands Legislative Response
Canada has experienced what many Jewish leaders describe as an explosion of antisemitism since the October 7 attacks. The situation has included regular rallies targeting Jewish-owned businesses and intimidation marches through Toronto's historically Jewish neighborhoods.
According to B'nai Brith Canada's annual audit of antisemitic incidents, the country witnessed a staggering 122% increase in anti-Jewish hatred since 2022. The audit findings underscore the urgent need for legislative measures to address the growing threat of extremism and hate-motivated activities.
Earlier this year, video from an Ottawa rally showed marchers wearing black uniforms and green headbands associated with Hamas, prompting concern from Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. Ottawa Police surprisingly told media that their investigation found no issue with the costumes, highlighting what critics describe as inconsistent enforcement of existing laws.
The tabling of Bill C-257 represents a significant step toward addressing what Jewish communities across Canada have identified as a critical security concern. As the legislation progresses through Parliament, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if it receives the bipartisan support needed to become law.
