Quebec’s Human Rights Commission has ordered a man to pay a $1,000 fine because he referred to another man as a “fifi,” the French equivalent of “fag.” Worse yet, the comment wasn’t made to the complainant (which would at least raise red flags about an implicit threat or true harassment of the individual), but to his “traveling companion.” According to the CBC, the “Rights Commission ruled that the term was an inappropriate way of referring to homosexuals and adds to the disgrace and lack of respect of human dignity people are entitled to.”
Now, it’s obviously not nice to call someone a “fifi.” But when the State can punish individuals for “inappropriate” comments they make in private, noncommercial contexts, the slippery slope towards authoritarianism is steep indeed. This, of course, is not the first example of the growing Canadian intolerance of freedom of speech.
Thanks to Professor Moin Yahya for the tip.
Any Canadians offended by most post should read this before emailing.
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