The organization concerned puts Québec on formal notice
(Quebec) Denouncing an "abusive" decision and "infringing on fundamental freedoms of expression and religion", the organization behind the anti-abortion rally canceled by Minister Caroline Proulx puts the Legault government on notice. This development comes as Quebec opens the door to banning "on a case-by-case basis" events that do not correspond to its fundamental principles.
The Christian organization Harvest Ministries International sent a formal notice to the Minister of Tourism and the President and CEO of the Quebec City Convention Centre urging them to reinstate the lease contract for the holding of the "Rallye Feu, Foi et Liberté" to be held in Quebec City in June, "otherwise legal proceedings could be taken."
On Friday, Minister Caroline Proulx canceled last week this anti-abortion rally because it does not correspond to the "fundamental principles of Quebec". However, the government still refuses to list them. The decision was welcomed by all opposition parties.
"You attached the label 'anti-abortion' to an event that had nothing like this. No speech, representation, screening or so-called "anti-abortion" theme was on the program, "writes the organization's lawyer, Samuel Bachand, in the formal notice.
"And even if this were the case, the government's intervention would be abusive, discriminatory, infringing on fundamental freedoms of expression and religion, without the shadow of a reasonable justification,"argues Bachant in the document consulted by La Presse. The Convention Centre is requested to reinstate the terminated lease within 48 hours.
Harvest Ministries International estimates that it has suffered property damage estimated at $450,000 while the organization must "now, in the middle of the high season, find a replacement location for the Rally, close to hotels and restaurants where reservations and drop-offs have already been made."
Minister Proulx's office has confirmed receipt of the formal notice, but will not comment. Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette briefly indicated Wednesday that he would "take cognizance of the procedure."
"On a case-by-case basis," says Biron.The cancellation of this anti-abortion rally had also been invited back to Parliament earlier Wednesday. The Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Martine Biron, has opened the door to prohibit the gathering of other groups that do not correspond to the fundamental principles of Quebec, in places belonging to the state, proceeding "on a case-by-case basis".
Regarding the Christian organization's event, "it is a decision that was made in light of the values of our government," she added. In her view, this is not an arbitrary choice.
In the case of this anti-choice group, given our position, it was decided that [in] public places, which were run by Crown corporations, it was not appropriate. This does not prevent groups from being on the territory and holding their event if they want to.
Martine Biron, Minister of Status of Women
Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx did not stop Wednesday to answer journalists' questions on this issue. "I answered all the questions on that, thank you," she said briefly.
The PQ changes its mindThe Parti Québécois, which had welcomed the decision of Ms. Proulx, changed its mind Wednesday. "My party wholeheartedly supports abortion rights, that's one thing. But should it allow the government to give itself the power, on an arbitrary basis, to determine who can gather and express themselves in our society? " wrote Chief Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.
There currently seems to be confusion between each party's position on abortion on the one hand, and the parties' position on freedom of expression and assembly on the other.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, Leader of the Parti Québécois
It asks the government to clarify where it draws the line to prohibit or not the holding of an event in a public place. "And in the event that he is not able to do so, I invite him to correct the situation," added the PQ leader.
Last Friday, PQ MP Pascal Bérubé said he would have made the same decision from the Minister of Tourism, a ministry he once led. "It sends a strong message. The state, through the Convention Center, does not have to welcome such a group that promotes values that go against those of the state," he argued.
He did not see it as an issue for freedom of expression: "If there are private individuals who want to welcome this group, they are free to do so, but it is not up to the state to do so. So, whether it's at the Palais des congrès, the Olympic Stadium or the Convention Centre, there is no room for this type of group," added Mr. Bérubé.
Crossed after question period Wednesday, the member for Matane-Matapédia preferred not to comment.
The QLP goes furtherThe interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, Marc Tanguay, cited Quebec's core values that could justify banning rallies.
"Everything that is conveyed in our charters of rights and freedoms are fundamental values. Respect for gender equality, the secularism of the state, freedom of religion as well, freedom of expression, these are fundamental values, "said Mr. Tanguay.
Like Minister Biron, Mr. Tanguay explained that decisions must be made "on a case-by-case basis." He continues to support Minister Proulx's intervention. "Access to abortion, free choice is a fundamental value. It is not up to the government to provide them with a forum and, in this case, the minister was very well advised," he said.
The Christian organization Harvest Ministries International sent a formal notice to the Minister of Tourism and the President and CEO of the Quebec City Convention Centre urging them to reinstate the lease contract for the holding of the "Rallye Feu, Foi et Liberté" to be held in Quebec City in June, "otherwise legal proceedings could be taken."
On Friday, Minister Caroline Proulx canceled last week this anti-abortion rally because it does not correspond to the "fundamental principles of Quebec". However, the government still refuses to list them. The decision was welcomed by all opposition parties.
"You attached the label 'anti-abortion' to an event that had nothing like this. No speech, representation, screening or so-called "anti-abortion" theme was on the program, "writes the organization's lawyer, Samuel Bachand, in the formal notice.
"And even if this were the case, the government's intervention would be abusive, discriminatory, infringing on fundamental freedoms of expression and religion, without the shadow of a reasonable justification,"argues Bachant in the document consulted by La Presse. The Convention Centre is requested to reinstate the terminated lease within 48 hours.
Harvest Ministries International estimates that it has suffered property damage estimated at $450,000 while the organization must "now, in the middle of the high season, find a replacement location for the Rally, close to hotels and restaurants where reservations and drop-offs have already been made."
Minister Proulx's office has confirmed receipt of the formal notice, but will not comment. Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette briefly indicated Wednesday that he would "take cognizance of the procedure."
"On a case-by-case basis," says Biron.The cancellation of this anti-abortion rally had also been invited back to Parliament earlier Wednesday. The Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Martine Biron, has opened the door to prohibit the gathering of other groups that do not correspond to the fundamental principles of Quebec, in places belonging to the state, proceeding "on a case-by-case basis".
Regarding the Christian organization's event, "it is a decision that was made in light of the values of our government," she added. In her view, this is not an arbitrary choice.
In the case of this anti-choice group, given our position, it was decided that [in] public places, which were run by Crown corporations, it was not appropriate. This does not prevent groups from being on the territory and holding their event if they want to.
Martine Biron, Minister of Status of Women
Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx did not stop Wednesday to answer journalists' questions on this issue. "I answered all the questions on that, thank you," she said briefly.
The PQ changes its mindThe Parti Québécois, which had welcomed the decision of Ms. Proulx, changed its mind Wednesday. "My party wholeheartedly supports abortion rights, that's one thing. But should it allow the government to give itself the power, on an arbitrary basis, to determine who can gather and express themselves in our society? " wrote Chief Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.
There currently seems to be confusion between each party's position on abortion on the one hand, and the parties' position on freedom of expression and assembly on the other.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, Leader of the Parti Québécois
It asks the government to clarify where it draws the line to prohibit or not the holding of an event in a public place. "And in the event that he is not able to do so, I invite him to correct the situation," added the PQ leader.
Last Friday, PQ MP Pascal Bérubé said he would have made the same decision from the Minister of Tourism, a ministry he once led. "It sends a strong message. The state, through the Convention Center, does not have to welcome such a group that promotes values that go against those of the state," he argued.
He did not see it as an issue for freedom of expression: "If there are private individuals who want to welcome this group, they are free to do so, but it is not up to the state to do so. So, whether it's at the Palais des congrès, the Olympic Stadium or the Convention Centre, there is no room for this type of group," added Mr. Bérubé.
Crossed after question period Wednesday, the member for Matane-Matapédia preferred not to comment.
The QLP goes furtherThe interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, Marc Tanguay, cited Quebec's core values that could justify banning rallies.
"Everything that is conveyed in our charters of rights and freedoms are fundamental values. Respect for gender equality, the secularism of the state, freedom of religion as well, freedom of expression, these are fundamental values, "said Mr. Tanguay.
Like Minister Biron, Mr. Tanguay explained that decisions must be made "on a case-by-case basis." He continues to support Minister Proulx's intervention. "Access to abortion, free choice is a fundamental value. It is not up to the government to provide them with a forum and, in this case, the minister was very well advised," he said.