If you wish to read the entire decision, you can do so here. However, as a bit of a summary, the court upheld the Taylor decision reasserting that laws against hate propaganda in Canada are indeed constitutional. In fact, the decision was unanimous; Bevery McLachlin, who had originally offered one of the four dissenting opinions in the Taylor case, was also in agreement regarding the constitutionality of the law. As such, Taylor remains the governing law as well as the guide for any future case laws dealing with hate speech, be it via telephone hotline or the Internet.
Two additional thoughts come to mind. First, it seems to us that this decision sort of puts the kibosh on Marc Lemire's appeal. Second, with the repeal of sec. 13 currently languishing in the senate, it seems quite possible that the Conservatives might allow the bill to quietly die since the Supreme Court decision was unanimous and included judges appointed by Mr. Harper.
Suffice it to say, the Speechies are a little unhappy right now.
The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld key provisions against hate
speech in the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, but struck down some of
the code's wording in a case prompted by flyers handed out by a
religious anti-gay activist, Bill Whatcott.
Two additional thoughts come to mind. First, it seems to us that this decision sort of puts the kibosh on Marc Lemire's appeal. Second, with the repeal of sec. 13 currently languishing in the senate, it seems quite possible that the Conservatives might allow the bill to quietly die since the Supreme Court decision was unanimous and included judges appointed by Mr. Harper.
Suffice it to say, the Speechies are a little unhappy right now.
Part of rights code section whittled down in case of anti-gay flyers
CBC News
Posted:
Feb 27, 2013 10:30 AM ET Last Updated:
Feb 27, 2013 2:59 PM ET