This thesis focuses on R. v. Keegstra (1990) 3 S.C.R. 697, 1 C.R. (4th) 129, 77 Alta. L.R. (2d) 193, (1991) 2 W.W.R. 1, 61 C.C.C. (3d) 1 to examine the arguments surrounding the issue of whether an individual's right to promote hatred against an identifiable group should be restricted despite the potential harm caused by limiting expression.;Identification as a member of a particular racial, ethnic or religious group within Canadian society has been encouraged and is important to many Canadians. For the policy of multiculturalism to be successful it is important for all Canadians to know that membership in a particular group does not diminish their rights as a citizen in the broader community. A prerequisite for a multicultural community is the recognition that equality is a shared collective good that embodies group rights and not solely those of the individual citizen. Hate propaganda undermines multiculturalism as it promotes the exclusion and inferiority of target group members.;Section 27 and Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as other legislation commits Canada to a multicultural policy and rights of equality. The Canadian government and its citizens must actively support and protect members of target groups from hate propaganda by strengthening collective group rights. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).
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