Enforcing censorship is not a human right
The Canadian Human Rights Commission has dismissed (via) a Muslim group’s complaint against Maclean’s magazine.
The Canadian Islamic Congress had objected to an article published in October 2006 claiming that it would expose Muslims to hatred and contempt. The article, entitled “The Future Belongs to Islam,” by Mark Steyn claimed that Muslims are on the verge of dominating Europe and the West because of a demographic shift.
On its website, Maclean’s released a statement noting satisfaction with the CHRC decision.
“Though gratified by the decision, Maclean’s continues to assert that no human rights commission, whether at the federal or provincial level, has the mandate or the expertise to monitor, inquire into, or assess the editorial decisions of the nation’s media,” said the statement.
“And we continue to have grave concerns about a system of complaint and adjudication that allows a media outlet to be pursued in multiple jurisdictions on the same complaint, brought by the same complainants.”
Steyn and others — including editors at Maclean’s — have said the issue is not the article’s merits or its viewpoint. They are concerned that such human rights tribunals could suppress free speech.
0 comments Monday 30 Jun 2008 | Paul | Canada
