Anti-SLAPP bill mobilization continues: Call to rally “Muzzled before the Courthouse” (Thurs, March 5)

Come with a muzzle or gag to symbolize the effects of SLAPP lawsuits on freedom of expression!

Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) are a serious threat to freedom of expression and weaken public debate. These are lawsuits filed by companies or institutions against individuals or activist groups, aimed at neutralizing or censuring public criticism of their activities.

Last fall, Bill 99 (An Act to amend the Code of Civil Procedure to prevent abusive use of the courts and promote freedom of expression and citizen participation in public debate), aimed at constraining such lawsuits, had almost crossed all of the steps required for its adoption. The calling of elections stopped the process in its tracks.

We ask that the government respect its commitments and adopt an effective bill before June 2009.

On Thursday, March 5th, at 11:00 am, we will stage a demonstration in front of the Montreal Courthouse. We hope to remind our elected officials of the broad consensus in Québec that favours he adoption of a bill that will effectively constrain SLAPP lawsuits. We ask that the model of Bill 99 be retaken, including the amendments that were requested during consultations last October.

A strong image is worth a thousand words: come with the most original muzzle or gag that you can find!

We will provide the media with a list of the organizations that are supporting our action.
To organizations, thank you for confirming your support and/or your presence with Anne-Marie Voisard .

Thank you for circulating this message as widely as possible. Organizations may bring their banners.

COME IN GREAT NUMBERS!
We hope that this mobilisation will be the last before the Bill is adopted.

The Ligue des droits et libertés, the Réseau québécois des groupes écologistes (RQGE), the Association québécoise de la lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique (AQLPA), and les Éditions Écosociété.