A Calgary-based non-profit group has lost its bid to display graphic pro-life advertisements on buses throughout the Lower Mainland.
In a ruling Wednesday, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Peter Leask dismissed an application for judicial review brought by the , which had argued it had a right to freedom of expression under Canada91裸聊视频檚 Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
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According to the ruling, the organization had wanted to display ads that showed three images: a fetus at seven weeks91裸聊视频� gestation; a fetus at 16 weeks91裸聊视频� gestation; and a red square. The first two carried the caption, 91裸聊视频淕oing,91裸聊视频� while the third had the caption, 91裸聊视频淕one.91裸聊视频� The ad also read 91裸聊视频淎bortion Kills Children91裸聊视频� and showed the website address .
The centre, which also has headquarters in Ontario, argued that freedom of expression includes the right to communicate controversial and unpopular messages 91裸聊视频渨hich the majority may deem wrong or false,91裸聊视频� the ruling said. The group also said bus riders 91裸聊视频渁re expected to put up with some controversy in Canadian society.91裸聊视频�
The South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority, whose advertising is managed by Lamar Transit Advertising, rejected the ads in 2015 because it would not create a 91裸聊视频渟afe and welcoming environment.91裸聊视频�
Justice Leask found that the transportation authority did infringe on the centre91裸聊视频檚 right to freedom of expression, but that it was a reasonable infringement because the agency wanted to provide a safe environment for others.
He went on to say that certain groups, such as children, would be at risk of harm from the ads.
91裸聊视频淚 find that the advertisement could cause psychological harm to women,91裸聊视频� he added. 91裸聊视频淲hile women are not as vulnerable to graphic imagery as children, clearly comparing women who have had abortions to 91裸聊视频渒illers91裸聊视频� is content that many members of the general public, especially women, would find disturbing.91裸聊视频�
More to come.
laura.baziuk@bpdigital.ca
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