Rob Wells appeals dismissal of human rights case against Catholic Insight

Edmonton-based homosexual activist Rob Wells has appealed the recent dismissal by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) of his complaint against Catholic Insight. On August 12, Toronto-based Catholic Insight and its editor Father Alphonse de Valk received notification that Wells had filed an appeal on July 31 with the Federal Court of Canada. Wells is requesting that the appeal be heard in Edmonton.

On July 4, 2008 Catholic Insight, a national magazine of news, opinion and analysis, received word that the charges of “bigotry, discrimination and hate” raised against it by Wells had been dismissed by the CHRC. We were informed that “the Commission decided, pursuant to paragraph 44(3)(b) of the Canadian Human Rights Act, to dismiss the complaint because the material is not likely to expose a person or persons to hatred or contempt based on sexual orientation.” 

Commenting on our acquittal at that time, we wrote in a July news release: “It is chilling to think that a publication can be hauled before a government tribunal simply for reporting to interested citizens developments in these [homosexual rights] areas of controversy.  This matter underscores once again the necessity of urgent reform of the Canadian human rights system.

We believe all concerned persons in Canada  and elsewhere should be awakened to the challenges to free speech as well as the gross inequity of the financial burden between complainants and defendants in these “human rights” cases as presently set up under Canadian law.

In the meantime, Catholic Insight and its editor will be required to defend themselves in yet another proceeding. We will be obliged, once again, to engage more of our time and finances to defend against what can be seen as harassment by a person or persons unhappy with Catholic Insight’s editorial stance in opposition to same-sex “marriage” and the resulting drive for equality of the homosexual lifestyle in schools and elsewhere. It is frankly astonishing that more Canadians do not recognize the negative impact such complainants have on what should be the expression of ideas in our current culture.

We are forced, once more, to  appeal to the generosity of our supporters for assistance.

Contact: Fr. Alphonse de Valk

               Editor and Publisher, Catholic Insight

               Tel: 416-204-9601   Fax: 416-204-1027 

E-mail: admin@catholicinsight.com