Canada has taken a significant step in strengthening its response to hate-motivated conduct with the passage of Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act. Among the Act’s most significant amendments is the formal recognition of the noose as a prohibited hate symbol under the Criminal Code.
For many, the noose is not simply a historical object. It is a widely recognized symbol of racial terror that has long been used to intimidate, threaten, and dehumanize Black people. Its inclusion in the legislation acknowledges both Canada’s history and the continuing reality that symbols of hate remain a tool of intimidation in workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, and other public spaces.
The amendment comes amid continued concern over rising hate crimes across Canada and follows numerous incidents in which nooses have been displayed to target Black individuals and communities. By explicitly recognizing the noose as a hate symbol, Parliament has strengthened legal protections against hate while affirming the serious harm these symbols can cause.
The passage of Bill C-9 also serves as a reminder that combating anti-Black racism requires more than responding to individual acts of discrimination. It requires recognizing the historical and social context in which hate symbols operate and ensuring that the law reflects the lived experiences of those most affected.
While legislation alone cannot eliminate racism, this amendment represents an important step toward recognizing anti-Black hate in Canadian law and reinforcing that symbols intended to instill fear and intimidation have no place in Canadian society.
