By THE STAR
Added: Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC

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

TAGGED: CAMPAIGNS, LAW