For those not following the situation in Québec – or for those following it only through English media, which is almost worse than not following it at all – Premier Jean Charest has implemented draconian laws to restrict protests as an emergency measure against the ongoing student strike. The government asserts that they are concerned with protecting the rights of non-striking students to go to class without disruption by the strikers. Law professors and striking students, on the other hand, have called it a violation of fundamental rights. Both sides claim they’re protecting people’s rights; so it sounds like it’s time for another Saturday Cerebration! (more…)
Tag » Freedom of expression
Freedom of expression refers to one of the fundamental rights that all persons should have in a free society: the freedom to express beliefs, opinions and thoughts without fear of censorship or reprisal from the state. Some schools of thought hold that freedom of expression is an absolute right; such as in the United States Constitution, where freedom of expression is virtually absolute. In Canada, freedom of expression is limited to expression that does not unduly threaten or disparage other persons – that is, it does not apply to hate speech.
Like clockwork
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the best weapon against nutters is their own mouths. Jesus T-shirt student William Swinimer was given a chance to peacefully share his views in a dialogue… and look what happened. (more…)
My take on the “life is wasted without Jesus” T-shirt feud
If you’ve been following the (Canadian) news, you have probably heard about the kerfuffle raised by Nova Scotia high school student William Swinimer, and his “life is wasted without Jesus” T-shirt. The issue is already resolved, but there are a few things I would like to say about it. (more…)