SIGN FSWC'S PETITION: STAND UP TO HATE

Petition

STAND UP TO HATE

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies calls upon The Attorney General of Ontario to Prosecute Hate Crime and Hate Speech

ATT: Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General of Ontario;
Susan Kyle, Assistant Deputy Attorney General

WHEREAS white supremacism and Nazism is having a resurgence in communities across the province.

WHEREAS hate crime and hate speech complaints have been made regarding “Al Quds Day” held on June 24th at Queens Park in Ontario, Canada. Speakers expressed antisemitism and Holocaust denial and direct annihilation of the Jewish people and of Israel.

WHEREAS hate speech complaints have been made against “Your Ward News” and brought to your attention on numerous occasions. The pamphlet is a hateful propaganda tool for white supremacist neo Nazis who are targeting Ontarians of all races, faiths and cultures. The paper is particularly antisemitic and is used for recruitment purposes.

WHEREAS hate crime is on the rise in Ontario and requires immediate intervention for the protection of all Canadians. Whereas the 2016 Toronto Hate Crimes report (the latest) states that Toronto’s Jewish community is the most victimized religious group by far at 29.7% of all hate crimes.

WHEREAS hate crime charges require crown consent. The Assistant Deputy Attorney General has advised that “hate crime charges, namely offences under section 318 and section 319(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada, the police must obtain the Attorney General’s consent before instituting criminal proceedings”.

WHEREAS the Assistant Deputy General has advised that the “Ministry of the Attorney General takes allegations of hate crimes very seriously. We continue to work with the law enforcement community and our community partners to increase awareness and to provide services to support victims of hate crimes”.

WHEREAS together we are stronger as a community. Through application of our justice system in partnership with communities, we could put an end to hate and intolerance and uphold the values ensconced in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

WE THE PEOPLE of Ontario and Canada respectfully call upon Attorney General, The Hon. Yasir Naqvi and our justice system to take immediate action in prosecuting hate crime and in replying effectively to community concerns.