UPDATE: JE-B emailed to say she used the term ‘hate’ to refer to Denyse O’Leary’s blog-offering, not FreeMarkSteyn.com as such. Apology/ clarification gladly accepted.
Saith Binks: Actually, the writer of this blog asks God’s good grace that I might be found generally cheerful, kindly, and in good humour. Ms. Epp Buckingham is, of course, entitled to her opinion, and free-slinging of titles (gosh, is that the Christian & Biblical approach?) and politically-correct labels such as ‘hate’.
Janet Epp Buckingham:
You would think that Denyse and I have never met but we have. In fact, Denyse has worked for me editing a publication. And yes, Denyse, if you have a problem with me or what I write, you can contact me directly. That is the Biblical approach.
I don’t particularly appreciate the very personal attacks from all of you.
Given that people seem to consider that I am an idiot with no idea what I am talking about, let me tell you how Christians have benefited from human rights complaints.
In 1984, Mrs. O’Malley brought a human rights complaint against Simpsons-Sears because she was fired for refusing to work on Saturdays. She was a Seventh Day Adventist. She won her case and established the right for all believers to have their Sabbath day of rest.
A Newfoundland hospital suspended a Pentecostal clerk for two days because she refused to sell tickets to a social event at which liquor would be served. A board of inquiry found this discriminatory on the basis of religion because Pentecostals are strict teetotalers. The Board found that she should have been accommodated.
The Stouffville General Hospital required all obstetrics nurses who had religious objections to assist with abortions. Those who had religious objections were required to apply for transfers to other departments. This case settled prior to a hearing with the hospital agreeing to change its policies to accommodate those nurses who conscientiously object to participating in abortions.
After much negotiation the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) accommodated bus drivers who objected to passing out transfers that advertised gay and lesbian organizations. The TTC had originally refused to accept advertising on transfers from these organizations and only did so after an order from the Ontario Human Rights Commission. When bus drivers objected, the TTC suggested they place the transfers on the dash of the bus. They finally agreed to give some drivers a leave of absence if the drivers produced a letter from their clergy stating that this was a legitimate religious objection.
A Shoppers Drug Mart required a Jehovah’s Witness to arrange a display of poinsettas during the Christmas season. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not observe Christmas. A British Columbia Board of Inquiry found this to be a violation of the B.C. Human Rights Code and required Shoppers Drug Mart to compensate the employee.
These may seem like small matters to you but they establish a pattern of respect for religious freedom that protects all religious observers.
As for the concern that Denyse O’Leary has about facing a human rights complaint at any time, I am one who vigourously defends freedom of expression. We must work together to make sure that journalists do not have to face spurious complaints. The Ontario Human Rights Act was recently amended to make it even easier for people to make complaints. I was one who made a submission to the Ontario government opposing this amendment.
But where was the Christian community on this? I felt that I was the lone voice. That was the time to have a major push for reform but I certainly did not hear it.
My commentary was arguing that human rights commissions serve a useful purpose in society. While they may need reform, they still have an important function.
I currently have a complaint pending before the Ontario Human Rights Commission (in its pre-amendment form). The commission staff have said over and over that their purpose is to be ameliorative, not punative. They are looking for negotiation and agreement. I think that they have been very helpful and respectful to both sides of this issue and we are very close to coming to an agreement that makes both sides happy.
I am very sorry that Denyse feels very threatened by the hrc and by my commentary. I, too, have received hate mail and even hate blogs (this being one of them). And no, Denyse, I will not make a human rights complaint against you even though I am very offended!
– end –
A Swift Sunrise 
But Janet why should you or any of us have to endure HRC complaints, no matter how “nice” the staff appear to be?
What if the HRC staff were punative, or disagreeable?
What if I don’t want to negotiate with, agree with or respect some idiot trying to mess up my life, merely because I’ve uttered words that “hurt his feelings”?
I
Aldous Huxley had the likes of JEB and human rights commissions firmly in mind when he wrote Brave New World. The piddling complaints of those “vindicated” employees should have been met with suggestions that they exercise their free right to GET ANOTHER JOB.
Where, in any foundational document of the Jehovah’s Witnesses does it say that arranging a plant display breeches faith? If the Jehovah’s Witness person was so concerned about faith in the first place, why take a job that exposes him/her every year to handling Christmas merchandise? How is the store supposed to get shelves stocked with candy canes? How about Christmas tree decorations? The list is as enormous as it is riidiculous.
The fact than an arm of the government has seen fit to reward individual and collective whining like this shows that the Canadian nanny state has indeed reached an all-time low. Or perhaps it’s high. The signs are clear; if you don’t want to work, or desire to punish your employer for some minor event offending your feelings, go ahead and blow the whistle to a Human Rights Commission.
Oh, and regarding the nurses? If they felt so strongly about abortion, they should not be working in that area of the hospital. The law upholds what the hospital does, and employees have no right to claim personal exception. Do your job or move on. Human Rights Commissions trample the rights of employers and the majority who do things the way they’re done. That’s how we function as a society.
Really, it’s all too much.
Sincerely,
E.F. Taylor
Another issue that hasn’t been addressed yet about Shoppers Drug Mart is ‘age discrimination’. It’s affected myself personally. I’ve over twenty years experience with Shoppers Drug Mart. Several of their stores have ignored my applications. They won’t give me a valid reason why and they’ve actually made of lies. If you go into any of their ‘new concept’ stores; you’ll find mostly kids working there. I can tell that they think they’re clever with the way they get around the age discrimination laws. They need to be put in their place. If there’s on complaint; there’s usually more unvoiced. I hope that one of these days Shoppers Drug Mart will face a class-action suit, completely publicize, for an act of age discrimination that they’ve committed. That would put the spotlight on Shoppers to stop.