Canadian Court Excludes Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible-Based Videos from Quebec’s Cinema Act

The Superior Court of Quebec has ruled that Bible-based educational videos shown by Jehovah’s Witnesses at their meetings and conventions are not subject to Quebec’s Cinema Act. This decision, issued on February 26, 2026, affirms a lower court ruling and concludes a nearly seven-year legal dispute.

The controversy began in June 2019 when a regional convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, screened the feature Bible drama *The Story of Josiah: Love Jehovah; Hate What Is Bad*. Following a visit by an inspector from Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications, who was informed that the videos lacked age ratings, the inspector concluded they should have been submitted for classification under the Cinema Act and issued a fine. Jehovah’s Witnesses contested the decision, arguing that the videos serve a religious and educational purpose.

During the legal proceedings, several of the organization’s Bible-based videos were reviewed. In May 2023, the Court of Quebec ruled in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses, stating that the Cinema Act’s intent is to protect young people from harmful or inappropriate entertainment. The court determined that since the videos are used for religious education, the Act does not apply. Judge Suzanne Bousquet emphasized that the lack of an exemption for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Section 77 of the Act infringes on their freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and right to liberty.

The government appealed the ruling, leading the case to the Superior Court of Quebec. In its review, the superior court dismissed the appeal, upholding the lower court’s decision. This ruling reinforces the organization’s position that their educational materials are integral to their religious mission.

Jehovah’s Witnesses expressed gratitude for the courts’ recognition of the religious and educational value of their Bible-based videos. These materials are described as essential to their being “taught by Jehovah,” as referenced in Isaiah 54:13. The decision underscores the organization’s commitment to using media as a tool for spiritual instruction and community engagement.

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