Commission Issues Statement on Decision in Maclean's Cases

    TORONTO, April 9 /CNW/ - The Ontario Human Rights Commission has decided
not to proceed with complaints filed against Maclean's magazine related to its
publication of an article "The future belongs to Islam." The complainants
alleged that the content of the article and Maclean's refusal to provide space
for a rebuttal violated their human rights. The decision means that the
complaints will not be referred to a hearing before the Human Rights Tribunal
of Ontario.
    Denying a service because of race or creed can form the basis for a human
rights complaint. However, the Ontario Human Rights Code does not give the
Commission the jurisdiction to deal with the content of magazine articles
through its complaint process.
    Even though the Commission is not proceeding with these complaints, it
still has a broader role in addressing the tension and conflict that such
writings cause in the community and the impact that they have on the groups
that are being singled out.
    While freedom of expression must be recognized as a cornerstone of a
functioning democracy, the Commission strongly condemns the Islamophobic
portrayal of Muslims, Arabs, South Asians and indeed any racialized community
in the media, such as the Maclean's article and others like them, as being
inconsistent with the values enshrined in our human rights codes. Media has a
responsibility to engage in fair and unbiased journalism.
    "Clearly more debate on this issue is required in Canada," commented
Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall. "That's why we issued a statement today."
    To read the full statement, please visit our website: www.ohrc.on.ca.

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For further information: Jeff Poirier, Manager, Communications Policy &
Education Branch, (416) 314-4539