Canada Repeals Blasphemous Libel Section of Criminal Code

On Dec. 13, Royal Assent was given to Bill C-51 which has been passed by Canada's Parliament.  Among other things, the new law repeals Sec. 296 of Canada's Criminal Code. Sec. 296 criminalized blasphemous libel, and subjected offenders to up to two years in prison.  In a press release, the Canadian Secular Alliance applauded the repeal.