Mark Steyn: Canada’s “Human Rights” Hypocrites

Maclean’s – Because, after all, nothing says “restraint” and “respect” and “civility” more than a snarling mob using the threat of violence to shut down those it dislikes—and all for that beloved “Canadian tradition.” Strange that the more Canada congratulates itself on its “tolerance” the less it’s prepared to tolerate.

DWE Reminder: “Human Rights” Is Always About Money. Always.

Bold ours.

Standard-Freeholder – Corcoran was told to step down from his role on the altar at Sunday Mass in April last year when parishioners complained to Bishop Nicola de Angelis that an openly homosexual couple was serving on the altar at St. Michael’s. Corcoran alleges he is being excluded from a role in the parish solely because he is gay, and that this violates the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The 12 St. Michael’s parishioners claim the Human Rights Code does not have jurisdiction over liturgical roles in a church and that internal church governance is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Corcoran is asking for damages of $20,000 from each of the parishioners and that the diocese cover his legal costs.

National Post: With All Of These Human Rights Convictions Going Into The Toilet, Let’s Try To Regulate Speech Better

National Post – As ever more prominent human rights hate speech convictions fail on judicial review, the credibility of human rights commissions is not the only thing at stake. The contradictory rulings suggest Canada is overdue for a comprehensive analysis of its approach to hate speech, to resolve the Supreme Court’s own disagreement about how to regulate the darkest emotion.

Writer Nails It

Bold ours.

Vancouver Courier – In a culture where anyone can yell “discrimination” against anyone for any perceived slight, and go judicial on their assets, there’s a constant danger of a chilling effect. Not just on comedy, but on illustration, journalism, theatre and music.

Democracy was never supposed to be about the tyranny of a solitary offended citizen.

Results From Ontario Tribunal That Dictate Police Procedure Are “Private”

CBC – The Toronto police service has started an internal review on how officers conduct searches and arrests when dealing with people from various religions, CBC News has learned.

The review was sparked by a human rights complaint in July 2008 after a police officer removed a Muslim woman’s hijab, or head scarf.

The complaint eventually made its way to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, where it was settled out of court before a hearing could occur this past January.

Due to privacy rules, CBC News was not able to obtain a copy of the complaint or learn the identity of the Muslim woman.

Human Rights Is Big Bucks #17

Toronto Star – The former acting president of embattled Rights and Democracy conceded Thursday the board of directors broke its own rules by hiring outside firms to delve into the “dysfunctional” Montreal-based human rights agency.

After telling a parliamentary committee of the lack of accountability and transparency on the part of others at the agency, Jacques Gauthier acknowledged spending thousands of dollars on single-source contracts for consulting and public relations firms, a lawyer and a private investigator, all contrary to the board’s own rules.

“Certainly more than $10,000,” said Gauthier…

In an interview in February, Braun cited problems of oversight, in particular Beauregard’s decision to give $30,000 to three human rights groups based in the Middle East.

Pardy’s Lawyer To Bar Owner: You Should Have Just Paid Up

Bold ours.

CP – Cousineau told the hearing Friday that if Ismail had apologized in the beginning, assured Pardy that this would not happen again at his restaurant and offered her compensation, the issue may never have reached the tribunal.

“Perhaps if that had happened we wouldn’t be here today,” Cousineau said.

Human Rights Is Big Bucks #16

Update. See below.

CP – Comedian Guy Earle could end up paying a heavy price for his freedom of speech – up to $15,000 if his accuser has her way.

At an open-mic comedy show hosted by Zesty’s restaurant in Vancouver, B.C. three years ago, Earle, acting as volunteer emcee, lit into Lorna Pardy and her lesbian partner with a profanity-laced tirade that Pardy’s lawyer said left Pardy humiliated and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Lawyer Devyn Cousineau said during her closing arguments at the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal hearing Friday that Pardy should be awarded between $10,000 and $15,000 in damages for the discrimination she suffered as a result of Earle’s homophobic comments.

TGET:

Cousineau said nothing about 10 or 15 thousand dollars, or any dollar amount whatsoever during her closing arguments.

Mr. Scott has his facts wrong, his Canadian Press article is inaccurate.

“Human Rights” Event Coord: Let’s Be Better Than The Old, Stupid People

Lethbridge Herald – Youth 16 and up, meeting at the University of Lethbridge, identified bullying, sexism and discrimination — toward First Nations people in particular — as key issues in southern Alberta…

Everyone grows up learning stereotypes and prejudices but event co-ordinator Lorinda Peel said young Albertans are open to change.
“What I find is the younger generation is better at questioning, and becoming more open-minded,” she said.
“And they have great, creative ideas.”

Paper: Human Rights Commission A Kangaroo Court

Calgary Herald – Society must tread cautiously when ruling on free speech, especially when a human rights panel operates like a kangaroo court. We hope the outcome of Lund’s appeal will reflect that.