I see a lot of comments decrying the CPC's apparent "association" with various pro-life groups, and how that association is used to undercut support of conservatives overall. This is a fundamental mistake, and one that continues to erode Charter Rights.
When you take actions to suppress association with say "pro-life", or Christian based groups - it becomes precedent to suppress association across the board. They decry the lack of attendance in a Pride parade based on religious beliefs. People do not realize that it is not just
tolerance that is demanded, but a suspension of deeply held personal beliefs. I believe in the right to choose what is best for myself in regard to motherhood - and, I have chosen life. I made that decision with my husband, and family.
When I was 19, and married to my first husband - we had a similar conversation. I was pregnant, I wanted my child, and he did not. As a foreign student, he was "not ready". I was pressured to do what I did not want. And, I paid a price for it. Complications changed my entire life
At 28, in a second marriage, and with a second child on the way, I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a choice - keep my child and possibly not make it through the cancer, or terminate. I kept my son, battled cancer naturally, and have lived since then well. The price? No more kids
Choice. We made it as a family the second time. And none of this was based on religious belief - I'm not Christian. I follow a traditional Indigenous path. The point is that in Canada, we have rights that are guaranteed, and as citizens, we are pushing for their termination.
In Canada, we are allowed to be Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, or any other non-traditional path. That is our right to be free from persecution due to religious beliefs. Faith should never be a litmus test for holding office. NEVER. So, why are we doing this?
In Canada, we are allowed to associate with whom we wish . Association with criminal organizations, or specifically named hate groups will net you some trouble but unless you commit illegal activities during that association, or are a party to it, it's allowed.
In Canada, we are supposed to have freedom of speech - to be able to speak our opinions in both private and public settings (with the exception of what falls under the legal definition of hate speech). Sometimes that is uncomfortable but its not illegal.
But right now, public figures greenlight anti-semitism, and crack down on islamaphobia (as it pertains to hate speech). There is no rhyme or reason to the double standard that is being followed. People have forgotten what freedom of speech is, and what it is not.
But the point is - the outrage culture, cancel culture, vilification of social conservatives, progressive conservatives or political enemies overall - it erodes the fabric of what human rights are. And, it erodes the importance of human rights (charter or const) across the globe.
@threadreaderapp please unroll. Thank you!
