Many people may describe Ann Coulter as disgraceful and offensive when she says things such as if the "[Muslims] didn't like being denied a flight they could 'ride a camel' or a magic carpet. (alainsaffel.com) Other people though, may describe her as being unyielding and strong willed. Coulter is strongly opinionated and will stand up for what she believes in. Recently on her trip to the University of Ottawa there was major controversy over Coulter's approach to freedom of speech in Canada. The vice president, Francois Houle, of the University cancelled the event saying that it would be "physically dangerous for Ann Coulter to proceed with the event" (oncampus.macleans.ca) Many of the students were lined up for hours before Ann was even scheduled to speak, and they were disappointed when she did not. Houle e-mailed Coulter saying she should “educate [her]self as to what is acceptable in Canada” and to “weigh [her] words with respect and civility in mind.” (oncampus.macleans.ca) He also states that the freedom of speech laws are different in Canada than that of the United States, when in fact, they are almost the same.
The Freedom of Speech laws are very similar in both Canada and the United States of America. In the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Canada), freedom of expression falls under section 2(b) saying that "Maintenance of a system of free expression is necessary (1) as assuring individual self-fulfillment, (2) as a means of attaining the truth, (3) as a method of securing participation by the members of the society in social, including political, decision-making, and (4) as maintaining the balance between stability and change in society." (uottawa.ca/constitutional-law/expression) In the U.S. Constitution, freedom falls under the amendment saying "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (firstamendmentcenter.org/about.aspx?item=about_firstamd) Canada, though, has a limitation clause saying that "The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech_by_country#Canada) Because this clause is so vague it goes two ways. Firstly it can imply that it is there to protect citizens in a free democratic society. But on the other hand, it can also imply that a there is a restriction on a fundamental freedom in a free democratic society.
Freedom of expression means the same thing to every human being. Freedom of expression is the condition of being free from restraints and being able to express themselves. The United States truly has the freedom of expression. Canada on the other hand does not. Because Canada is a "cultural mosaic" and has so many different cultures, and so many different races of people, society has adapted to these changes. Some changes have been for the better, but along with good change comes a little bit of bad change. Society has to "watch what they say" around gays, or Muslims or something they may have an opinion on. Not every one can comprehend gay marrages and they have the right to express themselves, but they cannot because it may "hurt" someones feelings. People are now afraid to speak their mind because they stand the risk of being arrested for "hate speech" or "slander." Canada cannot say that, as a country, has the freedom of speech. If Canada truly had that fundamental freedom Ann Coulter would have allowed to make her speech at the University of Ottawa.
The Freedom of Speech laws are very similar in both Canada and the United States of America. In the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Canada), freedom of expression falls under section 2(b) saying that "Maintenance of a system of free expression is necessary (1) as assuring individual self-fulfillment, (2) as a means of attaining the truth, (3) as a method of securing participation by the members of the society in social, including political, decision-making, and (4) as maintaining the balance between stability and change in society." (uottawa.ca/constitutional-law/expression) In the U.S. Constitution, freedom falls under the amendment saying "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (firstamendmentcenter.org/about.aspx?item=about_firstamd) Canada, though, has a limitation clause saying that "The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech_by_country#Canada) Because this clause is so vague it goes two ways. Firstly it can imply that it is there to protect citizens in a free democratic society. But on the other hand, it can also imply that a there is a restriction on a fundamental freedom in a free democratic society.
Freedom of expression means the same thing to every human being. Freedom of expression is the condition of being free from restraints and being able to express themselves. The United States truly has the freedom of expression. Canada on the other hand does not. Because Canada is a "cultural mosaic" and has so many different cultures, and so many different races of people, society has adapted to these changes. Some changes have been for the better, but along with good change comes a little bit of bad change. Society has to "watch what they say" around gays, or Muslims or something they may have an opinion on. Not every one can comprehend gay marrages and they have the right to express themselves, but they cannot because it may "hurt" someones feelings. People are now afraid to speak their mind because they stand the risk of being arrested for "hate speech" or "slander." Canada cannot say that, as a country, has the freedom of speech. If Canada truly had that fundamental freedom Ann Coulter would have allowed to make her speech at the University of Ottawa.
Post a Comment