Extremist Harper government to protect anti-gay hate speech

[Bragi]

OTTAWA -- The Conservative government is planning measures, including a Defence of Religions Act, to allow public officials, such as Justices of the Peace, to refuse to perform same-sex marriages.

The measures are also intended to protect the free-speech rights of religious leaders and others who criticize homosexual behaviour or refuse to do business with gay-rights organizations, The Globe and Mail has learned.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20061004.SAMESEX04/TPStory/Front

I wonder how a law giving a free pass on hate speech and discrimination can be made to only apply to anti-gay activity.

What if someone establishes a religion devoted to, say, hating non-caucasions? Will landlords who belong to this religion be allowed to refuse to rent to non-whites?

This is such a collossally bad idea that will lead to social discord and conflict, which is, of course, what right wing extremists promote whenever and wherever they get elected.

And isn't it convenient that Harper just last week cut the funding program that allows groups to mount a legal fight against legislation that violates the Charter. Cooincidence?



- B

[tuvor]

1. Slightly OT, but your post reminded me of a news item I heard today

I can't find a link right now, but according to one of the Vancouver news stations, there's a guy who owns a shopping centre/mall in the Greater Vancouver area who wants to kick his non-asian tenants out in order to better cater to asian clients.

Not quite a religion as your scenario outlines, but pretty darn close otherwise.

(If I can find a link I'll post it, but I heard it on either news1130.com or cknw.com.)