By Admin 
Canada has completely removed the word ‘Swastika’ by amending Bill C-9. Now the law will apply only to hate symbols like the Nazi Hakenkreuz, not the religious swastika.
The ongoing controversy regarding Swastika in Canada has now reached a decisive point. The Standing Committee of the Parliament of the country has made a major amendment in Bill C-9 and has completely removed the word Swastika from the draft of the bill.
Along with this, it has been made clear that the target of the law will be only hate-inspired symbols like the Nazi Hakenkreuz, and not religious swastikas used in Hindu, Jain or Buddhist religions. This decision is not only considered legal but also an important step related to religious freedom, cultural respect and multicultural understanding.
What is the religious significance of Swastika?
Swastika is the most ancient and sacred symbol of Hindu religion. In Sanskrit it means ‘where there is auspiciousness.’ Worship, Yagya, marriage, housewarming and festivals begin with Swastika.
It symbolizes the four directions, four Vedas and four Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha). In Jain and Buddhist traditions the Swastika is also considered a sign of peace, well-being and good fortune. From a religious point of view, Swastika is related to Mars, positivity and spiritual energy. Its history goes back thousands of years, long before Nazi Germany.
How did the controversy start?
The word ‘Swastika’ was mentioned in the initial draft of Bill C-9, which aimed to tighten anti-hate laws in Canada. In the Western context, the Swastika is often equated with the Hakenkreuz, the symbol of Nazi Germany.
This is where the controversy arose. On this, the Hindu community raised the question whether the Swastika made in temples would be considered a symbol of hatred? Can there be legal objection to religious festivals and places of worship?
What changed in Bill C-9 as per the latest update?
On December 10, 2025, the Canadian Parliamentary Committee took a major decision that the word ‘Swastika’ has been completely removed from the English draft of Bill C-9. Now only Nazi symbols like Hakenkreuz will be mentioned in the law. Swastika used in religious, cultural and spiritual context will remain outside the scope of the law. The purpose of this change is to ensure that laws against hatred do not harm religious belief.
Why was this change necessary?
Religious experts and communities said that there is no similarity historically, ideologically and morally between the religious Swastika and the Nazi symbol. Seeing the symbol out of its context is an injustice to faith.
Not only Hindu organizations but also Jain, Buddhist and many Jewish human rights groups supported this issue. This debate gradually transformed into a movement for interfaith and multicultural respect.
What is the real purpose of Bill C-9?
The purpose of Bill C-9 is not merely to ban symbols. Its broader goal is to establish a clear definition of hate-based crimes. Making it a crime to threaten or target religious and cultural institutions. Taking action only on those symbols which are used with the intention of spreading hatred. For this reason, it was considered necessary to keep the religious Swastika separate from this law.
Religious and social influences
- This amendment is a big relief for Hindu, Jain and Buddhist communities.
- This sent a message that it is important to understand culture and history while making laws.
- Respect for religious symbols strengthened in Canada’s multicultural framework
Swastika is not a symbol of hatred. It is a symbol of faith, prosperity and peace. This latest decision by Canada proves that the fight against hatred and religious freedom can both go together in a democracy, provided the symbols are understood in their true historical and religious meaning.
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