By: Dr Avi Verma

In a landmark decision applauded across Canada’s Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and other Dharmic communities, Members of Parliament have unanimously voted to amend Bill C-9, removing the sacred Swastika from the bill’s list of prohibited hate symbols. The legislation will now refer specifically to the “Nazi Hakenkreuz”, clearly distinguishing it from the ancient symbol of peace and auspiciousness revered by millions.

The amendment marks a historic victory for the Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF), which led a months-long national advocacy effort to correct what community leaders described as a painful and harmful conflation of a sacred symbol with one of the darkest ideologies in modern history.

A Sacred Symbol, Misunderstood for Generations

For centuries, the swastika has held deep spiritual significance in Dharmic traditions—representing prosperity, well-being, and the cyclical nature of life. Yet its appropriation and distortion by the Nazi regime resulted in decades of confusion and stigma in the West.

The amendment to Bill C-9 acknowledges this distinction with precision. By referring solely to the Nazi Hakenkreuz, Parliament has affirmed both Canada’s commitment to fighting hate and its obligation to protect cultural and religious heritage.

HCF’s Organized Advocacy Proves Decisive

HCF’s campaign—supported by more than 100 allied organizations—played a central role in reshaping the legislation. The Foundation coordinated petitions, engaged scholars, organized educational events, and facilitated tens of thousands of letters and calls from community members to their elected representatives.

HCF President Arunesh Giri submitted detailed testimony to the Justice Committee, outlining the symbol’s sacred origins and warning that banning it would deepen misinformation rather than combat hatred.

“This is about dignity,” Giri argued in his submission. “The swastika is a symbol of peace. Confusing it with the Nazi Hakenkreuz perpetuates misunderstanding and marginalizes millions of Canadians.”

The committee also heard from experts, academics, interfaith partners, and everyday Canadians who urged lawmakers to differentiate between the two symbols with cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy.

All-Party Collaboration Leads to a Rare Unanimous Vote

The amendment passed with full cross-party support, an outcome community leaders called “a shining example of Canadian democracy.”

• • Liberal MPs helped advance the amendment and engaged closely with community advocates.

• • Conservative Party and Bloc Québécois MPs supported the correction, acknowledging the importance of protecting cultural symbols while combating hate.

• • The unanimous vote stood out in an era of increasing political polarization.

“This is Canada at its best,” HCF said in a statement, “where leaders put justice before partisanship.”

Broad Interfaith Support Strengthened the Outcome

The Hindu Canadian community was joined by several Jewish organizations—including the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and B’nai Brith Canada—which voiced strong support. Their involvement underscored the shared commitment to fighting antisemitism while respecting the sacred symbols of other communities.

Other faith groups, academics, and historians contributed research and testimony underscoring the need to distinguish the Nazi emblem from the swastika’s original meaning.

Why This Decision Matters

Community leaders say the amendment has far-reaching implications:

• • Protecting Heritage: The swastika can now be displayed in homes, temples, festivals, and ceremonies without fear of legal misinterpretation.

• • Strengthening Hate-Crime Laws: By precisely targeting the Nazi Hakenkreuz, the legislation avoids misidentifying cultural symbols and enhances Canada’s ability to fight genuine hate.

• • Affirming Democratic Engagement: The outcome is being hailed as proof that when citizens speak, Parliament listens.

A Turning Point—And the Beginning of More Work Ahead

HCF emphasized that the victory is part of a larger movement to promote cultural literacy and combat misinformation. The Foundation plans to expand education initiatives, deepen interfaith partnerships, and advocate whenever cultural symbols are misunderstood.

“This amendment is not just a legislative win—it is a moral victory,” HCF said. “It restores the swastika to its rightful place and ensures future generations can take pride in their heritage without stigma.”

The Foundation encouraged Canadians to continue engaging in dialogue and join the movement to safeguard cultural dignity and Canadian values.

As one HCF spokesperson noted:
“Canada has shown that it is possible to fight hate without erasing heritage. This decision will be remembered for generations.”

HCF President Arunesh Giri stood before the Justice Committee to present testimony, marking a powerful moment in the advocacy journey.