User:CASalt/Ward v Quebec (Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse)
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Ward v Quebec (Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse), 2021 SCC 43 is a landmark decision of the Supreme Court of Canada on freedom of expression and discrimination. The Court overturned a 35,000 dollar fine issued by the Human Rights Tribunal of Quebec against comedian Mike Ward for repeatedly targeting Jérémy Gabriel, who is diagnosed Treacher Collins syndrome and was then 13 years old, throughout multiple stand-up shows.[1][2]
The case was deeply polarizing and divided Quebec and Canada. Disability rights' advocates accused Ward of making discriminatory and hateful jokes about a child that violated his right to dignity, and said that even comedy should have limits. Whereas comedians and free speech advocates argued in favour of artistic expression, accused the tribunal of censorship, and warned that a ruling against Ward would create a chilling effect against freedom of expression.[3]
Background[edit]
Decision[edit]
Commentary[edit]
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References[edit]
- ^ "He mocked a disabled boy in a comedy bit. Canada's Supreme Court found his words were 'disgraceful' but not discriminatory". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-11-25.
- ^ Zimonjic, Peter (Oct 29, 2021). "Comedian who mocked disabled child singer did not breach limits of free speech: Supreme Court". CBC News. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
- ^ Bilefsky, Dan (2021-02-20). "In Canada, Did a Comedian's Joke Go Too Far?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-11-25.