Top court strikes down bus ad ban

by The Star

Thanks to Jaime for the link.

Ruling on B.C. Transit refusal to run political ads during 2005 election watched closely by cities in battle over atheist ads

THE CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA – Watch for political ads coming soon to the side of a bus near you.

British Columbia transit officials were on the wrong side of the Charter when they refused to carry messages on the sides of their buses aimed at provincial voters, the country's top court said today.

The Supreme Court of Canada struck down transit policies banning all political ads, saying they violate rights to free speech.

"Like a city street, a city bus is a public place where individuals can openly interact with each other and their surroundings," wrote Justice Marie Deschamps in the 8-0 ruling.

All nine judges heard the case in March 2008 but Justice Michel Bastarache has since retired.

"I do not see any aspect of the location that suggests that expression within it would undermine the values underlying free expression," Deschamps wrote. "On the contrary, the space allows for expression by a broad range of speakers to a large public audience.

"I therefore conclude that the side of a bus is a location where expressive activity is protected by ... the Charter."

The judgment was being watched by cities across Canada that have so far rejected atheist bus banners declaring: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

The ruling protecting political ads will be viewed as a boon to those hoping to buy bus space for their atheist message.

Continue reading:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/663948

Posted: Friday, July 10, 2009 | Permalink

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2. Comment #395029 by Mike187 on July 10, 2009 at 12:33 pm

The judgment was being watched by cities across Canada that have so far rejected atheist bus banners declaring: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

Not true. We have them here in Ottawa. I saw one go by not too long ago. Initially they were banned but the ban was lifted. I believe the ads were banned in Halifax but not in Toronto.

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3. Comment #395030 by mordacious1 on July 10, 2009 at 12:35 pm

I don't understand why this was considered a political ad. It's not a political issue, just a statement of fact.

The 8-0 opinion speaks loudly enough.

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4. Comment #395047 by kaiserkriss on July 10, 2009 at 1:41 pm

mordacious1:

Check out the whole article and you will notice this particular ruling is based on an action in 2005. The fact that ruling can be used to support the Bus campaign is secondary to the initial main issue. jcw

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5. Comment #395057 by j.mills on July 10, 2009 at 2:10 pm

Eight-nil for free speech is a cool result, even if it's nothing to do with us! Way to go, Canada!

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6. Comment #395063 by AfraidToDie on July 10, 2009 at 2:18 pm

5. Comment #395057 by j.mills: ..even if it's nothing to do with us! Way to go, Canada!

As reason prevails near our borders, perhaps some will rub off! Good news.

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7. Comment #395076 by Pobjoy on July 10, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Very glad to see this ruling, even if it means having to see our politicians' faces even more :)

Disappointed to read that Vancouver was one of the cities to reject the atheist bus campaign ads but hopefully we'll be seeing them soon.

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8. Comment #395333 by chuckgoecke on July 11, 2009 at 4:45 pm

Hey, if you Canadians have any excess reason, could you please open the plug and let a little drain down into the US Midwest? Please, just a little.

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9. Comment #395386 by DalaiDrivel on July 12, 2009 at 2:20 am

Chuckgoecke,

I thought there was a brain drain in effect already!

Not the right kind, evidently!

Public opinion is one thing, but when Judicial opinion differs to that of the public, the Judiciary I would say is usually right.

It`s a pity that some (perhaps most) are so bigoted and ignorant that we require legal babysitters to lay down the house rules, and will until we learn to surpass the yoke of our emotions, entwined with dogma, and learn to determine the best course for all, through reason, doubt, and careful, careful consideration of the costs and benefits to our happiness, not to mention to our minds.

Humiliating for humanity as it may be, I believe that most people reject atheism from the vain point of view of aesthetics, where a lot of opposition to atheism can be reduced to taste, and very little to reason. Therefore, very little opposition is of substance. People prefer the taste of their own fancies and delusions, sadly.

EDIT:

People prefer the taste of their own fancies and delusions, sadly.

However, of course, people can be raised, or encouraged not to, as we all know, and I never lose sight of that. It is a great encouragement to me. :)

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10. Comment #395845 by popecorkyxxiv on July 13, 2009 at 8:30 am

Woot! Slight pride in my countries justice system. I'm quite certain the reason this happened is that when it started Canada was run by the Progressive Conservative party, and now we have a minority Conservative government (in Canada if a certain party doesn't get at least 50% of the vote they classify as a minority government and have no choice but to bend over for the other parties or get ousted by a none confidence vote). The current government has been pandering to the Liberal party in order to stay in power, and the Liberals are the most Atheist friendly party we have.

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1. Comment #395027 by friendlypig on July 10, 2009 at 12:21 pm

Reason strikes back!

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