Censorship Continued

The ugliness has continued since the February 23 meeting at which a disorderly group of activists demanded that Council prevent the appearance of a controversial comedian at the Port Theatre. With a view to this, the Theatre was requested by Council to re-examine their policies - a motion opposed by Mayor Krog and myself as a step towards censorship. Other Councillors were not concerned by this, intent on preventing a sold-out Theatre audience from hearing the comedian because they personally disagreed with his viewpoints. Subsequently, the Port Theatre decided under pressure to cancel the show. I am personally dismayed at this decision by the Theatre, and disappointed at the self-righteous attitudes of fellow Councillors. This amounts to an attack on free speech, and an absolute form of censorship. It is not Council's duty or right to determine what views are acceptable for an audience, or to prevent their expression. What will we be asked to censor next, and where will it stop? I frankly hope this becomes an election issue next October.