speech

Proud as punch about this:

McGill University’s student government has bucked an unfortunate national trend by granting full club status to a student anti-abortion group.

The Student Society’s decision to grant recognition to Choose Life is not so much a victory for pro-life forces as it is a victory for free speech and freedom of association, values that seem to be under attack, and poorly defended, on many Canadian campuses – where they should be safest.

I think a lot of this had to do with McGill not wanting to come off as narrow as York or Calgary Universities. In case you haven’t noticed, Quebec likes to go against the flow. Sometimes to a fault. Not this time, thank goodness.

Came across this article on Slate.com. I’m really not one to slam the Islamic faith, and certainly not using blanket statements. I agree with the idea that generalizations are equivalent to blatant ignorance. And one thing I hate to be is ignorant.

It goes beyond not wanting to come off as a redneck. I actually know many Muslims. I am friends with Muslims. I have Muslim family members. (So please spare me any comments about how I should be more supportive of initiatives towards religious tolerance.)

The Slate.com article links to the UN General Assembly Resolution in question (A-RES/62/154). Little known fact about me: I love reading UN resolutions. This one was particularly entertaining. Especially page 3.

… everyone has the right to hold opinions without interference and the right to freedom of expression, and that the exercise of these rights carries with it special duties and responsibilities and may therefore be subject to limitations as are provided for by law and are necessary for respect of the rights or reputations of others, protection of national security or of public order, public health or morals and respect for religions and beliefs…

Are you really allowed to use the terms ‘without interference’ and ‘legal limitations’ in the same sentence? Well, they are the United Nations. I guess they can say whatever they want. You and I, on the other hand…

McGill U: going against the flow

Is this the UN’s definition of ‘freedom of speech’?

Meta