From kmcvay Thu Nov 1 21:34:24 2001 Return-Path:Received: from localhost (19070 bytes) by nizkor.org via sendmail with P:stdio/D:dotforward/T:pipe (sender: owner: ) (ident using unix) id for ; Thu, 1 Nov 2001 21:34:24 -0500 (EST) (Smail-3.2.0.111 2000-Feb-17 #1 built 2000-Jun-23) Received: from femail27.sdc1.sfba.home.com([24.254.60.17]) (18772 bytes) by veritas.nizkor.org via sendmail with P:esmtp/D:dotforward/T:pipe (sender: owner: ) id for ; Wed, 31 Oct 2001 04:13:48 -0500 (EST) (Smail-3.2.0.111 2000-Feb-17 #1 built 2000-Jun-23) Received: from soprano1 ([24.150.124.85]) by femail27.sdc1.sfba.home.com (InterMail vM.4.01.03.20 201-229-121-120-20010223) with SMTP id <20011031091143.NXNY17369.femail27.sdc1.sfba.home.com@soprano1>; Wed, 31 Oct 2001 01:11:43 -0800 Message-Id: <3.0.5.32.20011031041152.018dc500@freedomsite.org> X-Sender: mlemire@freedomsite.org X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Pro Version 3.0.5 (32) Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2001 04:11:52 -0500 To: efc-talk@efc.ca From: Marc Lemire Subject: ACTION CALL: FREE SPEECH UNDER ATTACK IN CANADA!! BILL C-36 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Sender: kmcvay Status: O --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CANADIAN ASSOCIATION FOR FREE EXPRESSION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAFE FREE SPEECH MONITOR NEWSLETTER P.O. Box 332, Stn. "B" $25.00/Year Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 5L3 *INTERNET* Telephone: (905) 897-7221 cafe@canadafirst.net Fax: (905) 277-3914 http://www.canadianfreespeech.com -------------------------------------------------------- >> URGENT ACTION CALL << SIGN OUR ONLINE PETITION! YOUR MESSAGE SENT STRAIGHT TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT! http://www.canadianfreespeech.com/petitions/bill_c-36/index.html Fight C-36. Let's Stop Terrorists, Not Free Speech Dissent & A Free Press Are Targets of Anti-Terrorist Bill "The federal government has handed the terrorists a cheap victory," said Canadian Association for Free Expression Director Paul Fromm in Toronto today. "A number of provisions sneaked into C-36, the government's omnibus anti-terrorism bill now before Parliament, are aimed at gagging political dissent and subjecting the Internet to the vice of political correctness," Fromm charged. The government proposes to let a judge, on the basis of a sworn information, order the deletion of material from any Internet site in Canada that, "on the balance of probabilities", constitutes "hate propaganda" -- that is, wilful promotion of hatred against an identifiable group (colour, race, religion or ethnic origin). A hearing would be held within a "reasonable" period of time where the person who posted the material could advance arguments as to why the material was not "hate propaganda". If the judge ruled against the writer, the order would be permanent. If he ruled the material was not hate propaganda, it could not be restored "until the time for final appeal has expired." "This is carte blanche for censorship of websites that criticize the government's failed immigration policy," said Fromm. "Material can be ordered removed from websites. There is no definition of a 'reasonable' time within which a hearing must be held. The judge can order the permanent removal of offensive opinion on mere probability that it constitutes 'hate' against privileged groups, not that it does so 'beyond a reasonable doubt,'" Fromm said. Timely material can be ordered gagged and might not be restored to a website until many months or years later, after all appeals have been exhausted. "Ironically, this is not a war on terrorism, but a war on free speech," Fromm charged. If anything, the government's attack on the Internet becomes even more insidious as it has amended Section 13.1 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Section 13.1 makes it a discriminatory practice to publish anything that is "likely to expose to hatred or contempt" members of a long list of privileged groups (race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted). "Under Section 13.1, truth is no defence, nor does intention matter," says Fromm. The Canadian Association for Free Expression has been an intervenor in the two attempts thus far to extend Section 13.1, which originally was aimed at telephone messages, to the Internet. "The Canadian press will be under the gun," Fromm warned. Almost all newspapers and magazines are now "on-line." Presently, newspapers and magazines only have to worry about Section 319 ("hate propaganda") of the Criminal Code when writing on controversial matters about ethnic groups or religions -- say, the role of Islam in the recent terror bombings. Under Section 319, truth and intention are defences. "However," warns Fromm, "a large number of media may soon find themselves hauled before human rights tribunals for statements they made that offended an ethnic or religious group. Truth will be no defence. A sincere intention to discuss a problem will be no defence." The government's justification for its assault on dissent and a free press is mendacious," says Fromm. The Justice Department asserts: "Following the attack on September 11, Canadians have called for a renewed commitment to Canadian values of respect, equality, diversity and fairness and a strong condemnation of hate-motivated violence that has occurred in Canada and elsewhere against innocent people." "There has been virtually no 'hate motivated violence' in Canada against innocent people since September 11," said Fromm. This is a complete red herring. People are calling for protection from terrorists not from diversity of opinion." "On September 11 nobody died because of the Internet. Over 5,000 people, including several dozen Canadians died because of the lax immigration/refugee policies of both the American and Canadian governments," Fromm charged. "These anti-free speech measures don't even mention terrorism, defence of terrorism, or promotion of terrorism. They are aimed simply at the critics of the Canadian government's disastrous immigration policy," Fromm concluded. --30-- URGENT CALL TO ACTION However, totalitarian proposals are not yet law. If you care about freedom, call or write your MP immediately and demand that these sections be deleted from C-36.. Even more important, go and see him at his constituency office in the next few weeks. In decent terms, explain that you cherish freedom of expression and debate. All historical/religious questions must be open for discussion. There can be no sacred cows. What sort of "truth" cannot stand challenge and debate? This legislation is aimed at silencing dissent over the government's failed immigration policy. Let's restrict immigration and terrorists, not the free speech of Canadians on the Internet. Secondly, write, e-mail or FAX Justice Minister Anne McLellan (c/o House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6. Telephone: (613) 992-4524; Fax: (613) 990-7255; Email: McLellan.A@parl.gc.ca Let her know that you oppose the idea of sneaking such totalitarian measures into anti-terroist legislation. Let the politicians know that this will be a controversial and unpopular measure, if it becomes legislation. Please copy the enclosed petition. Get your friends to sign it and submit it to CAFE and we'll have it introduced in Parliament Attached are: 1. the Department of Justice's explanation for these censorship measures and 2. the relevant sections of C-36. 3. A petition to copy and get signatures on. 1. STRONGER LAWS AGAINST HATE CRIMES AND PROPAGANDA Following the attack on September 11, Canadians have called for a renewed commitment to Canadian values of respect, equality, diversity and fairness and a strong condemnation of hate-motivated violence that has occurred in Canada and elsewhere against innocent people. This is a campaign against terrorists and not against any one community, group or faith. The Government of Canada is proposing changes to legislation that address the root causes of hatred, reaffirm Canadian values and ensure that Canada's renowned respect for justice and diversity is reinforced. Measures would include: amendments to the Criminal Code that would allow the courts to order the deletion of publicly available hate propaganda from computer systems such as an Internet site. Individuals who posted the material would be given the opportunity to convince the court that the material is not hate propaganda. The provision would apply to hate propaganda that is located on Canadian computer systems, regardless of where the owner of the material is located or whether he or she can be identified. Criminal Code amendments that would create a new offence of mischief motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on religion, race, colour or national or ethnic origin, committed against a place of religious worship or associated religious property. This offence would be subject to a maximum penalty of 10 years when prosecuted on indictment, or to a maximum penalty of eighteen months on summary conviction. amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act to make it clear that using telephone, Internet or other communications tools for hatred purposes or discrimination is prohibited. ____ 2. CRIMINAL CODE Warrant of seizure 320.1 (1) If a judge is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is material, that is, hate propaganda within the meaning of subsection 320(8) or data within the meaning of subsection 342.1(2) that makes hate propaganda available, that is stored on and made available to the public through a computer system within the meaning of subsection 342.1(2) that is within the jurisdiction of the court, the judge may order the custodian of the computer system to (a) give an electronic copy of the material to the court; (b) ensure that the material is no longer stored on and made available through the computer system; and (c) provide the information necessary to identify and locate the person who posted the material. Notice to person who posted the material (2) Within a reasonable time after receiving the information referred to in paragraph (1)(c), the judge shall cause notice to be given to the person who posted the material, giving that person the opportunity to appear and be represented before the court and show cause why the material should not be deleted. If the person cannot be identified or located or does not reside in Canada, the judge may order the custodian of the computer system to post the text of the notice at the location where the material was previously stored and made available, until the time set for the appearance. Person who posted the material may appear (3) The person who posted the material may appear and be represented in the proceedings in order to oppose the making of an order under subsection (5). Non-appearance (4) If the person who posted the material does not appear for the proceedings, the court may proceed ex parte to hear and determine the proceedings in the absence of the person as fully and effectually as if the person had appeared. Order (5) If the court is satisfied, on a balance of probabilities, that the material is available to the public and is hate propaganda within the meaning of subsection 320(8) or data within the meaning of subsection 342.1(2) that makes hate propaganda available, it may order the custodian of the computer system to delete the material. Destruction of copy (6) When the court makes the order for the deletion of the material, it may order the destruction of the electronic copy in the court's possession. Return of material (7) If the court is not satisfied that the material is available to the public and is hate propaganda within the meaning of subsection 320(8) or data within the meaning of subsection 342.1(2) that makes hate propaganda available, the court shall order that the electronic copy be returned to the custodian and terminate the order under paragraph (1)(b). Other provisions to apply (8) Subsections 320(6) to (8) apply, with any modifications that the circumstances require, to this section. When order takes effect (9) No order made under subsections (5) to (7) takes effect until the time for final appeal has expired. R.S., c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 55 12. Section 430 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (4): Mischief relating to religious property (4.1) Every one who commits mischief in relation to property that is a building, structure or part thereof that is primarily used for religious worship, including a church, mosque, synagogue or temple, or an object associated with religious worship located in or on the grounds of such a building or structure, and the commission of the mischief is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on religion, race, colour or national or ethnic origin, (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding eighteen months. R.S., c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 58 Canadian Human Rights Act 88. Subsection 13(2) of the Canadian Human Rights Act is replaced by the following: Interpretation (2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of any matter that is communicated in whole or in part by means of the facilities of a broadcasting undertaking but does apply to a matter that is communicated by a computer or a group of interconnected or related computers, including the Internet, or any similar means of communication. -------------------- To The Honourable House of Commons in Parliament Assembled The petition of the undersigned residents of Canada who now avail themselves of their ancient and undoubted right thus to present a grievance common to your petitioners in certain assurance that your honourable House will therefor provide remedy, HUMBLY SHEWETH Whereas the federal government has introduced Bill C-36, an act to protect Canadians and combat terrorism; Whereas this legislation contains measures that would gag the Internet; Whereas these measures would allow a judge to order the deletion of material from Canadian websites that might be "hate propaganda" before any such charge had been proved; Whereas this material would be deleted until all avenues of appeal had been exhausted, thus, likely until the material was no longer timely; Whereas Bill C-36 would give the Canadian Human Rights Commission, under Section 13.1, control over "hate" on the Internet and truth or intention would be no defence; Whereas what would be legal in print -- newspapers and magazines -- would become illegal if posted on the Internet as the Canadian Human Rights Act provides few defences; Whereas no one died because of the Internet on September 11, but over 5,000 persons, including several dozen Canadians, died because of poor screening of immigrants and "refugees"; Whereas there has been no open public consultation on any proposed changes. Whereas these proposed changes infringe on the personal liberty of all Canadians, seek to gag dissent on the Internet, including criticism of the government's failed immigration policies, and violate common sense and natural justice in ruling out truth as a defence; And, whereas such new laws are unnecessary. THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, your Petitioners, humbly pray and call upon Parliament to remove these sections from Bill C-36 and focus on terrorism and terrorists instead. And in duty bound your Petitioners will ever pray. DATE: _____________________________________ Name (Please print) Address Signature 1.___________________________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________________________ 3. __________________________________________________________________________ 4. __________________________________________________________________________ 5.___________________________________________________________________________ 6. ____________________________________________________________________________ 7.__________________________________________________________________________ 8.___________________________________________________________________________ 9.___________________________________________________________________________ 10.__________________________________________________________________________ 11.__________________________________________________________________________ 12.__________________________________________________________________________ 13.__________________________________________________________________________ 14.__________________________________________________________________________ 15.__________________________________________________________________________ 16.__________________________________________________________________________ 17.__________________________________________________________________________ 18.__________________________________________________________________________ 19.__________________________________________________________________________ 20.__________________________________________________________________________ 21.__________________________________________________________________________ 22.__________________________________________________________________________ 23________________________________________________________________________ 24_________________________________________________________________________ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CANADIAN ASSOCIATION FOR FREE EXPRESSION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAFE FREE SPEECH MONITOR NEWSLETTER P.O. Box 332, Stn. "B" $25.00/Year Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 5L3 *INTERNET* Telephone: (905) 897-7221 cafe@canadafirst.net Fax: (905) 277-3914 http://cafe.canadafirst.net ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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