Freedom of Speech

Today in my Law class we were discussing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. There was a lot of discussion focused on how many individuals abuse the freedom of expression, they think they can say and do whatever they want because it's their absolute right! Well guess what, it's not always your right! for instance it can't go against the constitution (Supreme Law of Canada) or if what you say or do is not seen as "reasonable" according the community standards then you are breaking the law (refer to quote below). Some argue that this infringes on their freedom of expression but they would be wrong. The law is there to protect us (society) from discrimination of race, religion, gender, age, colour and etc. So those of you who think it's "Your Right" to discriminate or express yourself, then you first need to (really) know the limitations regarding the Freedom of Expression and wonder if what you are saying (or) doing would be considered reasonable in terms of a communities standards. 

Sec 1 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms says "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"

In discussion today regarding the rights of people we talked about same sex marriage and how the bill is not being passed in legislation. I believe that parliament is using the fact that marriage is defined as being between a man and a women, not those of the same sex. This is a very controversial topic and in time I believe that you will see this bill passed as parliament grows and realizes that it may just infringe on an individuals rights. One last thing that I would like to say is that when you're in a classroom or anywhere for that matter if you don't agree with same sex marriage then come up with a better  response than, "because it's dumb". This is what a classmate thought of same sex marriage and yes it's their right to voice their opinion but at least give some reason and logic behind it!


Trivia of the day:When was the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms included in the Constitution Act?


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Jenn