The bill was opposed by the Indo-Canadian community for failing to differentiate between the holy swastika from the hooked cross used by the Nazi Party and its supporters.
A Canadian lawmaker, who sponsored a bill to ban Nazi symbols in the country, has committed to amending the bill's language to distinguish the holy swastika from the Heckenkreuz, or hooked cross, which was popularized by the Nazis. Recognized by its use by the party and its supporters. Following the outcry of the Indo-Canadian community.
New Democratic Party (NDP) MP Peter Julian said in an email to the Hindu Federation, "I am committed to amending Bill C-229 by replacing the word 'swastika' with 'Hooked Cross' after the word 'Nazi'." " The proposed bill is currently before the House of Commons of Canada.
The private members' bill, which is backed by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, created anger in the community after "demands to stop the display or sale of symbols or symbols such as the Nazi swastika and the Ku Klux Klan insignia. 1933 to 1945". The standards and uniforms of the Confederate States of America between 1861 and 1865, including the military dress of the German and Confederate States, as well as the hood and robes of the "Ku Klus Klan".
The bill was introduced in the capital Ottawa last month in response to the display of such symbols during a protest by truck drivers heavily criticized against COVID restrictions and particularly cross-border vaccine mandates.
Promoting a petition related to the bill, Singh had said in a post on Twitter, "The swastika and the Union flag have no place in Canada. We have a responsibility to make our communities safe for all - this in Canada." It's time to ban symbols of hate."
The Indo-Canadian community was even more annoyed that they had demonized a sacred religious symbol. In his email, Julian said he understands that the symbol of the swastika is "revered in important religions, including Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism," adding that the bill, "in any way, religious, educational, does not restrict or otherwise limit the use and/or historical purpose".
Chandra Arya, an MP from the ruling Liberal Party, addressed the House of Commons on the matter on Monday and called on his fellow MPs to differentiate between the holy swastika and the Nazi symbol of hatred.
In response, rights advocate Ragini Sharma has said that education and awareness efforts "should continue" to distinguish these symbols.