A new anti-hate bill, to be introduced on Friday, is expected to make it a crime to intentionally promote hatred against Jews, Muslims and other groups by displaying symbols of terrorist groups in public, for example waving a Hamas, Hezbollah or Swastika flag outside a synagogue.

A senior government source told the Globe and Mail that the forthcoming bill to be shepherded through the House of Commons by Justice Minister Sean Fraser, would make it a crime to intimidate or obstruct someone at a place of worship, a school, a community centre, or other places where Jews, Muslims, members of the trans community or another identifiable group gathers.

The bill is also expected to make it easier for the police to pursue charges for a hate propaganda offence, including promoting genocide, by removing the requirement to get the attorney-general to approve laying charges first.

Hatred is referred to in laws but not defined in the Criminal Code, although it has been defined in cases before the Supreme Court, including as “detestation” and “vilification.” The bill is expected to define what constitutes hatred in the criminal code.

A senior government source said the bill is designed to target hate toward specific groups, but not to dampen the right to protest in Canada. They expressed confidence the bill would comply with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Globe and Mail is not identifying the source as they were not authorized to speak on the matter.