Censorship

Last Monday evening featured one of the most unpleasant Council meetings in recent memory, due to a controversial topic combined with a crowd of disrespectful protestors in the audience. The topic was a performer booked for the Port Theatre, a comedian whose humour is viewed by many as rude and demeaning against minorities. Is is important to note the the Theatre has an operating agreement with the City which gives it total control over its bookings. Nevertheless, Councillor Geselbracht drafted a motion asking Council to require the theatre to not allow the comedian to perform there, and to require he move to a different location. In the end Councillors Geselbracht, Eastmure, and others wanted Council to require the theatre to review its policies to ensure being welcoming and inclusive. Mayor Krog and I did not support this, seeing it as as imposing a form of censorship. Who decides what is acceptable or not? Should we tell the theatre to be welcoming, but not to someone whose views we personally disagree with? A slippery slope to censorship, and contrary to the notion of freedom of speech.