Send your emails to the general email (contacthrm@halifax.ca) and to Lori Patterson, Manager of Public relations (patterl@halifax.ca).

It doesn’t have to be fancy or long, just let them know that the public supports free speech and the expression of alternative religious views. It is not ok for one group or person to apply their religious comfort zone and feelings to a public resource funded by our taxes.

Feel free to use the email I sent, in part or in whole.

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Hello,

I am a citizen of Halifax, a marketing and advertising professional, and a citizen journalist. I would like to express my utter disappointment at the decision of Metro Transit to turn down an ad based on the religious comfort zone of the person who decided this. The only rules that should govern this decision are those of the Canadian advertising authorities. The ad should have been accepted and displayed, and those who have a dispute have the full freedom to launch a complaint and appeal to the advertising authorities. If they have a legitimate case and can prove that the ad violates any existing bylaws, then Metro Transit can take it down. Otherwise, freedom of speech must prevail.

I am a Muslim and a staunch believer in God. God does not want censorship of religious beliefs. The Canadian charter of rights and freedoms allows under section (2b) the “freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication”. Metro Transit is a public service funded by tax dollars from citizens who embrace all walks of life. It is simply unfair and a slight to our fundamental freedoms to have the religious preference of one person or group in Metro Transit dictate what is ‘appropriate’ religious messaging and what is not.

A religious group challenged this exact same ad in England earlier this month and lost their case. The UK Advertising Standards Authority ruled in favour of the Humanist Association, despite receiving over 300 complaints from the public. The precedent set here is that it is not enough for something to be ‘controversial’ for it to be censored. The decision to limit a fundamental right or freedom guaranteed by the Charter should be based on very solid grounds with significant legal backing.

Please reconsider your decision to withhold this ad from being displayed on transit vehicles funded by the public. The public demands fairness and that the rule of law, not ‘feelings’, be applied.

With regards,
……………………………
Issmat A. M. Al-Akhali
(Address)

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