An Albertan racist has been convicted of hate crimes for his postings on the Internet. From what I’ve gathered so far his (crazy) posts have demonized Jews.
Now, for those that don’t know me I’m just going to add in here: I disagree with this asshole strongly. I think he’s nuts — he claims he has authority from aliens for crying out loud.
However, he’s been convicted for something he said and posted on the Internet. As far as I can tell it wasn’t attempting to incite violence against anyone (which wouldn’t/shouldn’t be covered by free speech laws). And yet Canada has convicted him (as of this posting he’s yet to be sentenced).
I find this disheartening, to say the least. Where does the line get drawn? If I make a blog post about the Christians coming to my door and annoying me with their attempts to convert me am I going to get a visit from the police?
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states:
2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
a) freedom of conscience and religion;
b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and
d) freedom of association.
(emphasis mine)
In this country this guy’s speech, hateful as it is, should be protected! When governments get to decide what people are allowed to say or not say, everyone loses.
Additional: Canadian Hate Laws says that it’s against the law to “advocate genocide” (inciting violence shouldn’t be covered by free speech, just like shouting “fire” in a theatre isn’t) but I think what this guy is convicted of is:
(1) Every one who, by communicating statements in any public place, incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace is guilty of
So the jury has decided that this guy’s postings are “likely to lead to a breach of the peace”.
I haven’t seen the trial or any of the evidence presented, but I find it hard to believe this guy’s rantings would be likely to lead to anything but mockery.
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