Citing a Supreme Court of Canada decision late last year that some welcomed as a win for free speech, the Quebec human rights commission has dropped many cases of alleged discriminatory comments, a precedent that may impact other provinces.
Last October, the country’s highest court ruled 5–4 that jokes by a Quebec comedian mocking a disabled teen singer did not meet the strict standard for proving discrimination under the provincial charter of human rights.
On April 19 this year, the Quebec human rights commission announced that similar complaints are being closed.
“Since its inception, the commission has continually adjusted its approach in response to evolving legal frameworks,” Philippe-André Tessier, president of the commission, said in a press release. “The recent Supreme Court decision fits this evolving context.”
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