REGINA — The Regina Police Service says threats related to a permit allowing a downtown Regina mosque to amplify a call to prayer will be taken seriously and investigated under Canada's enhanced hate crime laws.
In a statement issued this week, police said they are aware of threats being made in connection with the practice and have increased security measures around Muslim places of gathering.
"The Regina Police Service is aware of threats being made in relation to this practice and, in response, an enhanced police presence will be visible around Muslim places of gathering," the statement said.
Denmark's center-left Social Democratic government is reviving an investigation into potentially banning the public broadcasting of the Islamic call to prayer (adhan) via loudspeakers.
Immigration Minister Morten Bødskov announced the move on June 24, describing parts of the country as feeling like “a suburb of Islamabad” and framing it as part of efforts to counter “Islamisation.”
Police also included a definition of a hate crime, describing it as any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by bias, prejudice or hate against an identifiable group.
"They want to use the new Bill C-9 to impose the Islamization of Canada on us without us being able to say a word," said PPC Leader Maxime Bernier in a social media statement.
"Those who complain about street prayers and the call to prayer broadcast through loudspeakers risk being accused of inciting hatred."
The Regina Police Service statement follows public discussion surrounding a permit issued by Regina police allowing a local mosque to amplify its call to prayer through a downtown rooftop speaker.
According to police, the call lasts approximately three minutes and takes place during the noon hour on Fridays.
The Regina Police Service said the permit was assessed through its standard amplification-permit process, which is based on the City of Regina's Noise Abatement Bylaw.
Police said more than 100 amplification permits are issued annually to various community groups.
Factors considered when evaluating applications include the length of the sound, the area where it will be heard, the time of day and the sound pressure level.
"Based on information provided to the RPS, the request falls within bylaw requirements," the statement said.
The current permit remains in effect until July 10, 2026, at which time the City of Regina and the Regina Police Service will review the application.
Police emphasized that a consistent process is used when assessing amplification permits and said the permit was approved in accordance with the applicable bylaw requirements.