Did you ever imagine a day where Canada could be added to an international watchlist for abuse of religious freedoms alongside countries like Afghanistan or Iraq?
Well that day may become a reality soon.
The situation is only becoming more dire in Canada as a Catholic churches are being intentionally burned down by left wing terrorists every night.
Last week US Republican Senator Josh Hawley called on the US Commission on International Religious Freedoms (USCIRF) to add Canada to its watchlist of countries found to have violated civil rights.
In a letter sent to the commission, Hawley says that he’s “troubled” by what he’s witnessing in Canada.
“In recent months, there have been numerous instances of Canadian pastors being arrested and jailed for holding worship services that do not comply with COVID-19 restrictions,” Hawley wrote.
“I am troubled that our Canadian neighbors are effectively being forced to gather in secret, undisclosed locations to exercise their basic freedom to worship.”
In his letter, the Missouri senator makes mention of the arrests of both Calgary Pastor Tim Stephens and Pastor James Coates of Spruce Grove as prompting his concern.
Hawley goes on to say in the letter that the actions perpetuated by police and the government do not stand up against the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and constitute “unjustified” actions.
“Frankly, I would expect this sort of religious crackdown in Communist China, not in a prominent Western nation like Canada,” Hawley said.
“Canadian authorities’ arrest of faith leaders and seizure of church property, among other enforcement actions, appear to constitute systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. I urge the Commission on International Religious Freedom to take whatever action is necessary to address and rectify this situation, and consider adding Canada to the Commission’s Watch List.”
The USCIFR maintains an annual “Countries of Particular Concern and Special Watch List.” If Canada were added to the Special Watch List, it would join other countries “countries where the government engages in or tolerates “severe” violations of religious freedom.”
In their 2021 report, Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Cuba and several other nations were cited for violations of religious freedoms.
