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Canadian Hate-Speech Law Violates Charter of Rights

Posted by timothy on from the problem-with-liberty dept.

MrKevvy writes "The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has found that federal hate-speech legislation violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the equivalent of the US Constitution's Bill of Rights. This decision exonerates Marc Lemire, webmaster of FreedomSite.org, but may have farther-reaching consequences and serve as precedent for future complaints of hate-speech."

5 of 651 comments (clear)

  1. Let's hope... by cayenne8 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...this sets an example for people that insist anything NOT PC speech in the US should be suppressed.

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    Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
    1. Re:Let's hope... by operagost · · Score: 5, Insightful

      We have laws against libel and slander for that. We don't need the state deciding what's "hate" speech.

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      Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
    2. Re:Let's hope... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yes: The students had the right to leave. By shouting him down, they prevented anyone from listening. That is censorship.

  2. Good by SoupGuru · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I have always been suspicious of hate speech legislation. It seems ideal for creating slippery slopes.

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    What doesn't kill you only delays the inevitable
  3. Re:Hate speech serves no purpose by Shakrai · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Hate speech, especially published hate speech, serves no purpose other than to degrade, criminalize or deter a particular person, race, or gender.

    That shouldn't mean you get to outlaw it though.

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    I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
    We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.