Time Immortal

Keith Martin, Liberal MP for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca has introduced a motion (M-446) calling on the Parliament to delete subsection 13(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

That’s the very same subsection which makes it a discriminatory practice for individuals or groups to communicate messages that are “likely to expose a person or persons to hatred or contempt”, as long as those persons “are identifiable on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination”. It therefore provides legal grounds for “human rights complaints” against those who say or publish anything the special interest groups may not agree with.

Or, as Kathy puts it, the section that “introduces the science fiction concept of “pre-crime” into Canadian law.”

That this is huge news is a no-brainer. Keith Martin’s would, in effect, achieve exactly what that banner at the top of the site here demands be done, because it is out of Section 13 that the basis for the human rights commissions (HRCs) in Canada is taken. And it is through what is articulated in Section 13 that they find justification to operate in the way they do, even though that manner of operation openly contravenes the Charter-ensured rights of every Canadian (yes, even the wackos and basement-dwelling anti-Semite crackpots).

What can we, lowly bloggers, do now that a motion has gone forward in government to remove this impediment to freedom in Canada? Well, a few things. First, send a thank-you note to Keith Martin — one cannot communicate how important a step is that he has taken here. Second, contact your MP and ask them to support this bill. And finally…spread the word.

My God, how this motion needs to pass.

(In Soviet Russia, hat tips you: BCF)

Update: Welcome, Steynians!