OTTAWA, ON-Pro-family advocates are rejoicing as Bill C-250 hit another stall in its quick trip through parliamentary process.

The Canadian Senate debated the third reading of the bill on April 1 that would see sexual orientation added to the current list of identifiable groups protected by the hate propaganda sections of the Criminal Code of Canada. Many Christians fear passage of the bill would lead to the Bible being declared "hate literature" and the suppression of free speech.

It was widely expected the bill would be approved, and move on toward becoming law. However, due to what the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada calls a "massive outpouring of concern" from Canadians, several senators put forward significant amendments to the bill, putting off further debate and decision until April 20.

"The Senate, being appointed, does not respond to public pressure in the same way as does the House of Commons," says the EFC. "However, if we present our concerns to Senators in a well-reasoned way, it is possible that they will defeat or amend this legislation."

The Senate is in Easter recess until April 20 and if a federal election is called before that date, the bill will die on the order paper. If an election is not called, and the amendments are passed, the bill will go back to the House of Commons for further debate. If the amendments are defeated, the bill will go to a final vote.