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The lawyer for the Rainbow Alliance says a judge’s decision last week is a win for the 2SLGBTQ2 and drag communities.
Doug Judson says the ruling confirms an online media source is unable to express negative opinions and calling it free speech.
“This is a significant victory for the 2SLGBTQ2 and the drag community in Ontario because it means they can use defamation law protect themselves when they are attacked online in this way,” explains Judson.
Egale Canada, which also intervened in the case, says “the term ‘groomer’ is a slur to allege drag performers sexualize children and aim to recruit them in the 2SLGBTQ2 community.”
The court ruled that perpetuating such stereotypes and myths is not public interest speech. and Judson says that changes the law in the province.
“The law that was created by the decision that came out of court last week, because remember, when judges interpret the law they contribute to the common law. It’s very important though because it creates a standard in Ontario.”
He adds the ruling does pave the way for a future trial or other legal avenues if his client wants to pursue it.