| Mark Fournier Free Dominion August 3, 2007 Moments ago, we received another letter from the Canadian Human Rights Commission, dated August 1, 2007, informing us that Marie-Line Gentes has withdrawn her complaint against Free Dominion and requested that the CRHC take no further action against us. I would like to thank Ms. Gentes for making this move and will assume her motives for doing so were honourable. The meat of the letter reads: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summary of Complaint 1. The issue in this complaint is whether the respondent communicated or caused to be communicated, by way of the Internet, material that is likely to expose a person or persons to hatred or contempt on the basis of religion, race, national or ethnic origin and sexual orientation. Background to Complaint 2. The complainant alleges that the respondent has communticated or caused to be communicated discriminatory material on www.freedominion.ca Free Dominion is a Canadian website that was inspired by Free Republic in the United States. It is described as a Canadian conservative news forum for the discussion of conservative philosophy and activism. The founders of the site are Mark Fournier and Connie Wilkins. Request to Withdraw Complaint 3. On July 17th and 23rd 2007, the complainant contacted the Commission advising that she wanted to withdraw her complaint. Recommendation 4. It is recommeded, pursuant to paragraph 44(3)(b) of the Canadian Human Rights Act, that the Commission take no further proceedings in the complaint because the complainant has asked to withdraw the complaint. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also included was a cover letter asking us to take note of the fact that Investigative branch of the CHRC will be recommending that the Commission not proceed with this case. It is said that the best victory is in the battle you don't have to fight. This show of strength by people from across Canada - and from beyond our borders - has stopped this battle before it had to be fought. Because all things with the CHRC are political, either Ms. Gentes or the Commission, or both, have decided that an attack at this time on Free Dominion is a political bridge too far. We have all won an important battle here today and we should take what we can from the lessons we have learned. These above-the-law organizations are not omnipotent. The glaring light of public exposure is toxic to these groups. The internet gives people a means of defense because it can be used as a source of light. There are many more lessons that could be listed, and I look forward to reading some of them while I pop a cold one.  Congratulations to all! _________________ http://www.freedominion.ca/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=1029167#1029167 |
