REGINA - Saskatchewan's highest court says a man who distributed anti-
homosexual flyers is not guilty of violating the province's human rights
code.
In 2005, Bill Whatcott was found guilty of violating the Saskatchewan
Human Rights code and ordered to pay $17,500 to four people after he put
the leaflets against teaching about gays in schools into their mailboxes
in 2001 and 2002.
The Saskatchewan Human Rights tribunal ruled that Whatcott showed "a clear
pattern or practice of disregard for protected rights."
But Whatcott appealed, arguing the ruling puts "a chill on free speech" if
society has to constantly worry that what they say may put them at odds
with the Human Rights Commission.
In its ruling this week, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal says while many
may find the language in the leaflets crude, offensive and pejorative,
they don't promote hatred or cross the boundaries of free expression.
The Canadian Constitution Foundation, which intervened in the case, calls
the decision good news for free speech.
Whatcott distributed the flyers in Saskatoon and Regina in 2001 and 2002.
He told the tribunal he felt it was his moral obligation to speak out
against homosexuality.
"I have engaged in homosexual acts, and the Lord has set me free," he said
at the time. He also told the tribunal he used to pick up prostitutes and
burglarize houses before finding God.
I may disagree with this foul little man's one man hate campaign but I
do believe in freedom of speech.
> "I have engaged in homosexual acts, and the Lord has set me free," he said
> at the time.
At the time.
And now?
(Ya know where this is going. Where it normally goes. Stay tuned. He'll be back.)
--
And the Thought of the Moment (TM) is:
I once complained to my father that I didn't seem to be able to do things the same way
other people did. Dad's advice? “Margo, don't be a sheep. People hate sheep. They eat sheep.”
--Margo Kaufman
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