08/22/2026
Today, the Commission recognizes the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
The New Brunswick Human Rights Act protects everyone in the province against discrimination or harassment based on a person’s creed or religion, which guarantees protection to hold religious beliefs and engage in religious practices without discrimination. Therefore, under human rights law, it is unlawful to treat someone unfairly at work, in housing, or in services like schools, hospitals, or restaurants, etc. because of their religious belief; for example, treating someone differently or harassing them because of the way they dress, what they eat, or how they practice their faith.
Acts of hate and threats or acts of violence against people belonging to religious groups have been on the rise in society, with particular increase in incidents of antisemitism and islamophobia. Today, we must remind ourselves to respect people of all religious faiths, to enable the actualization of the human rights ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities.
In the context of respect for religious beliefs in the school system, consult the Commission’s informational resources on religious accommodations in schools:
https://www.gnb.ca/educationalresources
