Free Mark SteynThe Canadian Islamic Congress’s campaign to inhibit expression of unpopular opinion is attracting more unfavourable media coverage, both in Canada and abroad.  Editorialist Rebecca Walberg writes in the Calgary Herald, “Shut down the human rights commissions”, while the formidable Robert Spencer chimes in with “Stand By Steyn”.

See also Hilary White at LifeSite: “Mark Steyn Case Wakes Up Canadian Press to Human Rights Tribunals' Threat to Free Speech”.

As a defender of free speech and a long-time reader of Mark Steyn, I post this badge of support.
Support Steyn and Maclean'sBadges can be downloaded at The Conservative Hipsters.

Last weekend, I sent e-mails to my MP Larry Bagnell (Lib-Yukon) and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the latter copied to Secretary of State for Multiculturalism Jason Kenney.  Here’s what I wrote:

Subject: Stop the Canadian Islamic Congress's attack on freedom

The Canadian Islamic Congress’s use of federal and provincial Human Rights Commissions to bring thought-crime charges against Mark Steyn and Maclean’s Magazine is unconscionable and repugnant to a free people.

As a Canadian taxpayer, I find it especially galling that my money is being used to finance an attack on our freedoms of speech and the press.

Cabinet minister The Hon Jason Kenney has it exactly right: The action by the Canadian Islamic Congress seeks to undermine our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

I urge you to help bring this travesty to a halt and ensure that our federal and provincial/territorial Human Rights Commissions are never again abused in this way.

Today my MP responded with a brief note saying this was the first he’d heard of this incident, and that he’d look into it and get back to me.  I hope that he takes a long hard look indeed.

h/t: Kathy Shaidle