I am anxious.
When I see an event being canceled in Quebec because the government doesn’t like the ideas being conveyed, I wonder if the CAQ has understood what freedom of speech is.
As a reminder, defending freedom of expression means defending the right to say words that bother us, repel! Who do we disagree with at all? After the events of Charlie Hebdo in January 2015, thousands of us proclaimed loud and clear, “I am Charlie.” Today I wonder if the CAQ is still Charlie.
POLICE THOUGHTS
Tourism Secretary Caroline Proulx forced the cancellation of the “Faith, Fire, Freedom Rally,” which included an anti-abortion portion, due to be held at the Center des congrès de Québec in late June because it caused “a great deal of uneasiness.” For me, it is the cancellation of this event, which had nothing criminal in it, that “triggers” me.
Ms Proulx went on to say that the Quebec City Convention Centre, the Montreal Convention Center and the Olympic Park must ensure that the events they host respect the “Basic Principles of Quebec”.
Misery! For the minister to send us the list of the “Basic Principles of Quebec” so we know which events resonate with her
The decision also worries me in terms of the arts. Does this policy also apply to subsidized museums, subsidized theaters and subsidized cultural sites?
“Our government is firmly in favor of freedom of choice. And it is an issue on which there is broad consensus in Quebec,” Minister Proulx’s office replied.
I have two problems with this position. 1. Does this mean that only government positions in recognized government institutions are allowed? 2. Only “consensus” questions can be raised?
Minister Proulx said threateningly: “I notified all CEOs last night and reminded them that such an event will not take place in Quebec’s state-owned companies. We will ensure very strict follow-up.”
The police of the unique thought will crack down? Outside of the Quebec Consensus, is there no salvation? That’s exactly what you’re fighting as Charlie!
I have no direct or indirect affinity with ultra-religious people who want to ban women’s free choice. But I will fight for them to be able to discuss it publicly. The only reason I would accept the cancellation of an event in Quebec is for incitement to hatred or defamatory language.
This decision, which strikes me as a frontal attack on freedom of expression, represents a dangerous shift towards controlling “acceptable expression of expression”. We are opening the door to arbitrary decisions about what constitutes legitimate expression and what does not.
WHAT VALUES?
I am stunned to hear the CEO of the Center des congrès de Québec reiterate that “freedom of expression is the rule” but that “as a state-owned company we feel it is our job to uphold certain government values. “promotes”.
Is Télé-Québec, the state-funded public television station, also required to “adhere to certain values that the government promotes”?
Doesn’t that scare you?
