In both American and Canada, all individuals have the right to associate with any group or organization. There is no limitation or prohibition relating to purpose or function of the group. This can include anything from civil groups, such as the LGBTQ+ or Alcoholics Anonymous, to hate groups such as the Aryan Guard or Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (SHARP). Even association to organizations directly linked to criminal activity is protected.
When identifying with certain groups, you are protected from arbitrary persecution. Although your association with all groups is protected, this does not protect you from drawing the attention of authorities. This means that if you identify with groups associated with criminal activity, you may be monitored by law enforcement. This can include groups related to hate groups and terrorist organizations.
trafficking, money laundering and extensive violence, branded as a biker gang. Although the primary function of the HA is centered in crime, it is not illegal to be associated with them. However, much like association with hate groups, association with criminal organizations may lead to police monitoring. By extension, this also includes links to terrorist groups.
In the case of civil groups, both countries have put in place federal protections for these groups to see to it that individuals will not be persecuted by authorities and should they face discrimination, authorities will defend them. The actual application of these protections varies between Canada and America, as mentioned on the "Religion" page.
In Canada in 1998, the precedent was set that no member of the LGBTQ+ community would be discriminated against. More importantly, the RCMP and municipal law enforcement can face reprimand for not protecting these citizens as though they were a part of the community at large.
By contrast, due to the relationship between the American federal and state governments, the protection of religious freedoms vs. gay rights can be drastically different. In Democratic leaning states like New York and California, gay identity is protected with significantly more enthusiasm than in the "Bible belt" states like Kentucky and Alabama, where discrimination may be overlooked.
Freedom of Association
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For More Information on Hate Groups:
For More Information on LGBTQ+:
Even association with criminal organizations is protected in both Canada and America. For example, it is not illegal to associate yourself with the Hell's Angels, or HA for short. For those that don't know, the HA is a criminal organization involved in drug and human
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