No laughing matter

Those words are nothing to laugh about considering the latest news I’ve discovered.
It all started with an online petition presented to Canada’s House of Commons, claiming Islamic terrorism has resulted in a notable rise of anti-Muslim sentiment in Canada. No evidence was presented of any form of Islamophobia, and no definition of what was meant by that particular term was given. There was no public input solicited, and absolutely no word from the mainstream media to inform the public.

But, surprise, surprise, Canadian MPs unanimously consented to a motion tagged as Motion M 103 demanding that the government not only condemn Islamophobia in word, but that it also develop a whole-of-government approach to reducing or eliminating Islamophobia. And it looks like they intend to vote on this motion during the next parliamentary session.

Of course they are entitled to do so, since freedom of speech in Canada is not absolute. Section 1 of the Charter allows the government to pass laws that limit free expression so long as the limits are reasonable and can be justi ed. However, if this particular motion is justified, is every other religion and people group entitled to the same treatment? And if they are, wouldn’t it completely shut down any and every expression, thus eliminating freedom of speech?

Canadians’ right to freedom of speech says we are all equal under the law. We all have equal protections and bene t equally from the law. Giving any particular group of people special rights actually robs the rest of Canadians from their rights. Once our government erodes our freedom of speech in one manner, it will set a precedent for them to erode it in other ways as well, some of which may very well impact your personal well-being. And why has the government neglected to let the public in on their intentions, and their plans to squeak this motion through?

I’m certainly in favor of every Canadian being treated well. I’m certainly not against any and every ideology or belief system having a voice, as long as they don’t have the legal right to silence my voice as a result.

Let’s look at what various individuals have said about this topic:

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” – S.G. Tallentyre

“Freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend people.” – Brad Thor

World-famous columnist and contrarian Christopher Hitchens said: “In my career, I have visited dozens of countries undergoing crises of war or hardship. I can say with as much certainty as is possible that, wherever the light of free debate and expression is extinguished, the darkness is very much deeper, more palpable, and more protracted. But the urge to shut out bad news or unwelcome opinions will always be a very strong one, which is why the battle to reaf rm freedom of speech needs to be refought in every generation.”

I’ll end with another cartoon I saw that said: “I don’t know how to break this to you but the world got together and decided that from now on everyone is entitled to their opinion, except you.” Hmmm, I certainly don’t want “you” to mean “me”. Please make your voice heard; phone, fax or email your Member of Parliament or sign a petition on line.