Another free speech issue in Canada
What in the world is going on in Canada? Yet another journalist is being hauled before a so-called “human rights commission” for supposedly insulting Islam. Ezra Levant, publisher of the Western Standard, which, alas, is now defunct, is being interrogated by the Alberta Human Rights Commission over his having dared to publish the famous “Mohammed cartoons.” Here is his opening statement at what he is calling the “kangaroo court.” His conclusion is something all Canadians should ponder:
I have no faith in this farcical commission. But I do have faith in the justice and good sense of my fellow Albertans and Canadians. I believe that the better they understand this case, the more shocked they will be. I am here under your compulsion to answer the commission’s questions. But it is not I who am on trial: it is the freedom of all Canadians.
Again, it is my hope and prayer that Canadians wake up to what is going on there.
Update: The videos of Levant making his statements at the hearing are stunning, courtesy of Little Green Footballs. Â If we can live up to his example there will be hope yet for Western Civilization.
Will,
What’s really disturbing about the Human Rights Tribunal is that they’ve NEVER found a single person innocent in any case that’s been referred to them. Canada is rapidly going the way of the old Soviet Union when it comes to free speech — it no longer exists in this country. The government has taken it away and now put a body in place that, even worse, can give no objective definition of what’s acceptable and what’s not. When it really comes down to it, the new standard in Canada is completely subjective: you’re simply not alllowed to say anything that might offend someone and the Tribunal refuses to define what will offend and what will not — because, of course, that’s up to the person claiming to be offended.
“Hate” crimes legislation specifically exempted religious speech, but I don’t think anyone really expects that exemption to last very long. I have friends who pastor larger churches and they’ve told me that the homosexual lobby regularly send people to sit in on their sermons, just waiting for the right time to make a “hate” speech claim and have them dragged before the Tribunal.
Bill Klock+
That statement is impressive.
Canada: Freedom of Speech succumbing to Kangaroo Courts of the Human Rights Commission
Proceedings against Ezra Levant are nothing short of ridiculous, but let’s consider the implications for moderate Muslims. This “investigation” will further divide Muslims and non-Muslims in Canada. It will give credence to radicals’ claims that the West is at war with Islam. It will antagonize non-Muslims and moderate Muslims will be pushed towards radicalization. Regardless of the outcome, once again Islamists skillfully manipulated Dhimmi justice system and came out as clear winners. Thank you, Human Right Commission!
Fr. Bill,
Thanks for your comments. I had not realized it was quite THAT bad, but if the HRC’s have NEVER found innocence in a case referred to them, it is worse than I could have imagined.
ReformIslam,
I can only hope your views spread among the Islamic community; that may be our best hope in this mess.