Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowboy89
Search for Ezra Levant's recent scuffle in such Tribunal in Alberta, then search for Mclean's battle in a similar tribunal over an article written by Mark Steyn. Even though there is no explicit law outlawing such free speech both are being punished in the form of legal fees and their time by frivilous complaints made by Islamic Associations claiming to be offended. These tribunals are free for someone to lodge a complaint and very costly for a defendent to defend against.
http://www.nationalpost.com/most_pop...html?id=238276
http://www.nationalpost.com/most_pop...html?id=216124
Say what you want about either Erza Levant, Mark Steyn, or Mclean's magazine, but the very existance of these Tribunals effectively censors peolpe from publishing their opinions because of a fear of being taken in front of such tribunals. That's supression of free speech and the existance of the Tribunals is an example of the legal system seccoming to the lowest common denominator to meet the needs of a small minority.
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Well then I'm with you on this one. The people who make up these complaints and cost the "complainee" money should have to foot the bill if the person (the writers in these cases) are found to have done nothing wrong. They should probably kick in a little extra for their troubles while they are at it.
That being said, these are extremely rare cases and not really indicative of anything other than the existence of some grouchy and dimwitted activist groups and a tribunal that apparently needs some new rules. And frivolous legal actions aren't anything new.
And good ol' Levant -- self-promotion/aggrandizement even in the "court room". These are his opening words.
My name is Ezra Levant. Before this government interrogation begins, I will make a statement. When the Western Standard magazine printed the Danish cartoons of Muhammad two years ago, I was the publisher. It was the proudest moment of my public life. I would do it again today. In fact, I did do it again today. Though the Western Standard, sadly, no longer publishes a print edition, I posted the cartoons this morning on my website, ezralevant.com.