Tory Law Would Protect Opponents of Same Sex Marriage
Justice officials have been told to search for ways to protect the rights of individuals to criticize homosexual activity because it contravenes religious teachings, or to refuse to do business with organizations whose purposes he or she disagrees with, without being brought before a human-rights tribunal.
The working title for the vehicle that could enshrine these measures is the Defence of Religions Act.
It would protect individuals who publicly criticize homosexual behavior, take out advertisements that quote scripture demanding that homosexuals be put to death, or to refuse to do business with groups whose views an individual or group finds objectionable.
For that reason, it is almost a certainty that a Defence of Religions law would face challenges under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Globe and Mail
Legislating bigotry... a real class act in Ottawa.
Posted by Anonymous | 7:18 am, October 04, 2006
...hmmm
Sounds like the debate is about
A. conscientious objectors versus
B. prosecution based on belief
And
C. free speech, versus
D. malicious labeling and prosecution based on prejudice.
For example, you can plop yourself down on just about any street in Canada and almost without fail someone there doesn’t like something a neighbour is doing – and is saying so. However, most of the time neighbours will not indulge any kind of malicious aggravation of another. Where do we draw the line between saying you don’t like something and why versus being a pest or worse?
And, at what point do you allow an employee of the state to op out of responsibly because the employee is a conscientious objector.
I sense a tough discussion coming... and maybe a headache.
Posted by Walks With Coffee | 7:54 am, October 04, 2006
We knew it. They said SSM wouldn't affect our lives.
Look out, the homofascist inquisition is coming.
Posted by Anonymous | 10:57 am, October 04, 2006
It seems the left is only interested in certain parts of their beloved charter. In case they've forgotten, religious freedom is part of the constitution & all this bill aims to do is to codify the rights of faith based organizations to decline to partake in activities that contravene the underpinnings of their faith. there's nothing wrong with that.
However if it applies to Justices of the Peace, then it will & should be eventually be struck down.
Posted by McGuire | 1:18 pm, October 04, 2006
So when some religious wingnut (as happened in Saskatchewan) ran ads in the major newspapers DEMANDING that gay persons be put to death based upon a quote from the Book of Leviticus, you are okay with that? I am NOT. That is hate propaganda! It is nonsense! If Harper is going to pass a law that allows that kind of crap - then there is going to be a massive outcry.
It's bad enough that religious private schools get to teach LIES to children such as the belief that Noah's Ark is history and not simply the religious allegory that it is.
Posted by leftdog | 1:40 pm, October 04, 2006
leftdog said:
'.. ran ads in the major newspapers DEMANDING that gay persons be put to death based upon a quote from the Book of Leviticus..'
please link to where Hugh Owens demanded gays be put to death, this is what was reported:
Star Phoenix
Anne Kyle,
April 15, 2006
On Thursday, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled Hugh Owens did not violate the province's Human Rights Code when he placed an ad in The StarPhoenix in June 1997 that reflected his views on homosexuality.
The ad cited Scripture from the Bible condemning homosexuality and depicted two stick-figure men holding hands with the universal "not-allowed" symbol superimposed over the figures.
A human rights board of inquiry found Owens violated the code because the ad exposed members of the gay community to hatred and ridicule, and was an affront to their dignity because of their sexual orientation.
A 2002 Queen's Bench decision upheld that finding, but it was appealed by Owens, who called Thursday's decision a vindication of freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
"This decision says sharing the gospel message concerning this particular sexual behaviour or any other behaviour is protected and not a violation of the Human Rights Code," Owens said.
Posted by wilson | 3:51 pm, October 04, 2006
I love the ways guys like you get upset about fly poop in your pepper. The bible DOES say that gay persons should be put to death - do you dispute that?
Don't tell me that the bible does not DEMAND the death of gay persons!
The wingnut who put the ads in the papers clearly believes LITERALLY in the bible.
Here is the website to a group that promotes the same type of hate that you appear to want to defend under the guise of 'freedom of speech':
Westborough Baptist Church - NOTE contents are offensive
Posted by leftdog | 4:38 pm, October 04, 2006
Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with a man, as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
Don't pick nits with me on this hateful crap!
Maybe where you live it is A-okay, but my experience is that Edmonton is a vibrant modern city and even though there is a lot of mindless right wing characters there, this is NOT acceptable to your fellow citizens!
Posted by leftdog | 4:59 pm, October 04, 2006
Even the lawyer who defended Owen had trouble with the whole issue.
Christianity.ca
Posted by leftdog | 5:01 pm, October 04, 2006
Get a grip, Fruit Loop. This legislation isn't about hate speech.
Posted by Anonymous | 12:24 am, October 05, 2006
So ... I go over to 'Peter Rempels' blog site and put a post up - fair ball, comment moderation, I use it too, - but no ... Peter Remple is a typical sniper from the ranks of the extreme right wing - these guys can dish it out BUT THEY CAN'T TAKE IT -so to Mr. Remple, the sniper, let me just say, that your gutless tory ways make you look like the idiot your blog site proves you are.
Cheezy right wingers - no honour, no guts - only lips that flap in front of a mindless brain.
Posted by leftdog | 9:17 pm, October 05, 2006