Anti-transgender speech in Canada punishable by two-years in prison?

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leads his Liberal Party in seeking even further protection for transgender individuals with an anti-transgender speech ban that could send offenders to prison for up to two years.

As the country celebrated International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on May 17, the Canadian government decided to introduce legislation that will expand the existing Canadian Criminal Code and Canadian Human Rights Act to recognize hate speech in the form of public speech or communication promoting hatred based on gender orientation.

"Everyone deserves to live free of stigma, persecution, and discrimination – no matter who they are or whom they love. Today is about ensuring that all people – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity – feel safe and secure, and empowered to freely express themselves," said Trudeau in a statement.

Trudeau called on the people to "unite in a global celebration of diversity" while promising that the Government of Canada will aim to create an environment that's "free from discrimination, and protected from hate propaganda and hate crimes."

"Diversity and inclusion have long been among the values Canadians embrace," said Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould at the House of Commons in Ottawa where she was joined by supporters and members of the lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, according to CBC News.

Canada's latest transgender law named as Bill C-16 is highly likely to be passed into law since majority of the seats in the House of Commons are held by the Liberal party, according to Reuters.

A ban on anti-gay hate propaganda has already been observed in Canada for several years, recalls Daily Caller, when the Canadian Supreme Court ruled in 2013 against a Christian street preacher who was charged of violating the hate propaganda law. The court reasoned that the fliers distributed by the preacher, who denounced gay practices, were "vilifying and derogatory representations to create a tone of hatred."