Council votes to allow atheist bus ads: Ruling made to uphold freedom of expression
ARPA Note: Read Rev. George Van Popta’s response to these bus ads by clicking here.
By Patrick Dare, The Ottawa CitizenOttawa Council has voted to allow advertisements on the city’s bus fleet that question the existence of God. Councillors voted 13-7 Wednesday to overrule OC Transpo management, which had not permitted ads that read: “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” The ads, from the Free Thought Association of Canada, are running on buses in Toronto, London and Calgary.
Bay Councillor Alex Cullen, chairman of council’s transit committee, said the right to express opinions is fundamental to a free society and a precious part of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He said that while the ads might make some council members uncomfortable, a free society must be prepared to permit expression of dissenting views. [Continue reading this story here.]
