Posts Tagged ‘“Israeli Apartheid”’

Whose freedom of expression is the Harper government protecting?

January 30th, 2014 by Shelina Ali

Last week, in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s address to the Israeli Knesset, he equated criticisms of the Israeli state and its policies with anti-Semitism. He stated that “most disgracefully of all, some openly call Israel an apartheid state,” continuing on to say that “it is nothing short of sickening.”

Mr. Harper’s strong condemnation of individuals who criticize Israel’s policies and practices raises serious concerns about his government’s commitment to protecting political speech in Canada. His comments should be seen in light of his government’s claw‑back of hate speech legislation in the name of freedom of expression. In acting as a champion of freedom of expression, while targeting critics of the Israeli government and its policies, Mr. Harper has attempted to redefine political speech as speech that would meet the definition of hate speech under the Criminal Code. These contradictory actions should raise serious doubts about whose expression the Harper government is actually committed to protecting.

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A Victory for Free Speech ‑ Pride Toronto’s Dispute Resolution Panel dismisses complaint against QuAIA

July 24th, 2012 by Iler Campbell LLP

A decision (pdf)  handed down by the Dispute Resolution Panel of Pride Toronto has dismissed a complaint lodged by B’nai Brith against the participation of Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QuAIA) in the Pride Toronto March. Charles Campbell represented QuAIA at the hearing on June 27th. The Panel issued a “bottom line” decision on June 29th, so as to allow QiAIA to participate in the parade on July 1st. They subsequently released the full reasons for the decision on July 9th.

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