Speech impediments

But two Canadians win battles against "human-rights" authorities | Janie B. Cheaney

Illustration by Krieg Barrie

Last June, I commented on a case going forward in our neighbor to the north, where free speech has taken a pounding by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). The case named Maclean's magazine and well-known columnist Mark Steyn as co-defendants, the former for publishing an article from the latter's book, which was accused of inciting hatred against Muslims. As more than one reader has asked about the outcome, it seemed worth following up, especially since the news is (mostly) good.

Shortly after the column appeared, all charges in the Steyn case were dropped. Some credit for that must go to the notoriety of the case; the Maclean's profile in Canada is similar to that of Time in the USA. But an equal share of credit should go to Ezra Levant, Calgary lawyer and erstwhile magazine publisher, who was battling his own accusers in the CHRC "court" (scare quotes necessary because the CHRC is not an arm of the court system and disregards legal protocols).