PEN Canada envisions a world where
writers are free to write,
readers are free to read,
and freedom of expression prevails
The prosecution of Québécois writer Yvan Godbout for the ‘production of child pornography’ in relation to scenes in his novel Hansel & Gretel, and his editor, Éditions ADA inc., for the ‘production and distribution of child pornography’, represents a significant test of the protection of freedom of expression in Quebec and Canada more broadly, said PEN […]
PEN Canada welcomes the Quebec minister of justice’s commitment to withdraw hate speech provisions from Bill 59. The minister bows to pressure from groups opposed on the grounds that the provisions were potentially repressive due to overbroad language.
In this fifth instalment we look at hate speech in Canada, and specifically how Québec’s proposed legislation, Bill 59, could impact free speech.
Finding the Words: Writers on Inspiration, Desire, War, Celebrity, Exile, and Breaking the Rules