I am concerned with The Barrhead Leader continuing to publish letters that discriminate and expose a person to contempt based upon their gender identity. I am referring to the full page letter: “Reader sends letter to premier asking her to rethink Bill 10.”
The letter’s publication contravenes The Alberta Human Rights Act.
The Alberta Human Rights Act states in regards to discriminatory publications the following:
“Discrimination re publications, notices 3(1) No person shall publish, issue or display or cause to be published, issued or displayed before the public any statement, publication, notice, sign, symbol, emblem or other representation that (a) indicates discrimination or an intention to discriminate against a person or a class of persons, or (b) is likely to expose a person or a class of persons to hatred or contempt because of the race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, “
I assume that a letter to the editor qualifies as a public statement or notice.
Mr. Stel’s letter exposes the LGBTQ community to contempt and moral judgement. He states that “Homosexuality and transgenderism … are wrong, and it harms the very people who practice it.” And apparently, “Science clearly shows the separation of men and women by means of DNA and the reality is that it just is not possible to change from one gender to another.” Mr. Stel also states that “he is neither a bigot or homophobe because he regularly sees people who are homosexual.” I wonder how he does that? And, he is always friendly to THEM, and “speaks to them with kindness and dignity.” How condescending of Mr. Stel to address members of the LGBTQ community in such a manner. (I did not know that dignity and kindness is especially reserved for those who are LGBTQ. How lucky, for them.)
The letter is discriminatory and insulting to the Barrhead LGBTQ community.
However, my real concern is The Barrhead Leader’s continued publication of such letters. There is a clear difference between printing a public opinion as opposed to holding a private opinion. Mr. Stel has every right to hold privately whatever view he wishes – but he cannot expect to have such views published publicly: as if a private opinion outweighs the moral rights and protections of the individuals he addresses. The Barrhead Leader fails to protect that distinction. Not all opinions are equal and neither do they always qualify for publication. There are limits to the freedom of expression if information is false and targets the rights of an individual as to their sexual orientation and identity. The editor’s of the paper have, I believe, shown poor judgement and moral leadership in this matter.
The paper is also inconsistent, for in the paper a column by Barry Kerton on GSA’s in schools states: “Life is hard enough at the best of times. I know it is for me and I am not the target of the same kind of hatred, bullying and discrimination that other groups, such as the LGBTQ community often have to face on a daily basis.”
Yes, it is hard being the target of discrimination if an LGBTQ individual.
Then you publish Mr. Stel’s letter contrary to your statement.
Barrhead Leader please stop publishing and promoting homophobic letters.
Pastor Roger Manuel,
United Church Minister Westlock, Hazel Bluff, Jarvie and Pickardville.
Editor’s note: Mr. Stel’s full quote is “I am a Christian. As a Christian I believe that the social engineering that and your government is pushing, is very wrong because it is harmful to people. Homosexuality, transgenderism and abortion are wrong, and it harms the very people who practice it.” In another part of the letter Mr. Stel states: “I am a Christian, Ms Notley. I’m not an extremist. I am also not a bigot, or homophobe. I have known, and still know and regularly see people who are homosexuals. I am always friendly to them, and speak to them with kindness and dignity. I don’t force my views on them, as you are forcing your views on me.”
