Thursday July 20, 2006
Sask. Judge Dismisses Appeal of Pro-Life Demonstrator
By Gudrun Schultz
REGINA,
Saskatchewan, July 20, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Saskatchewan judge
has dismissed an appeal by prominent pro-life demonstrator Bill
Whatcott, who sought to have a 2005 disciplinary ruling against him
overturned, the Leader-Post reported Wednesday.
The discipline committee of the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed
Practical Nurses convicted Whatcott of unprofessional conduct in
January 2005, for demonstrating in front of a Planned Parenthood
abortion clinic in Regina. Although SALPN admitted that demonstrating
was not illegal, the organization accused Whatcott of intimidating
patients and making untrue statements about the abortion clinic.
The disciplinary committee agreed and fined Whatcott $15,000 to cover
legal costs. Whatcott was also given a 45-day suspension of his nursing
licence.
Whatcott appealed the decision on the grounds that he was not picketing
in front of the clinic in any professional capacity. He also claimed
his freedom of expression was infringed upon by the committee’s
decision.
Justice Ron Barclay did not agree, however, and handed down a written
decision on Tuesday saying Whatcott violated a SALPN bylaw by his
actions during the protest. As a health service provider, the judge
said, Whatcott could be held accountable for the “harm” his actions
reportedly caused abortion clinic patients.
“Even though the appellant was off duty while these acts occurred, his
actions caused harm to the patients of the Planned Parenthood centre
which provides health services to the community,” wrote Judge Barclay.
“In other words, the activities or conduct of the appellant negatively
impacted the health system as it relates to the Planned Parenthood
centre.”
Judge Barclay admitted that one section of The Licensed Practical
Nurses Act, 2000 might constitute an infringement on freedom of
expression. However, he said Whatcott was still guilty of making
“defamatory” and untrue statements against Planned Parenthood Regina.
Whatcott had a previous conviction of obstructing a police officer
overturned, after the Court of Queen’s Bench ruled that Whatcott was
acting within his rights when he displayed graphic abortion pictures to
rush hour traffic. A police officer had charged him with obstruction
when Whatcott moved to pick up another sign, after the officer had
confiscated one he had on display.
See previous LifeSiteNews coverage:
PRO-LIFE ACTIVIST WHATCOTT ARRESTED
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2002/sep/02090507.html
Queen's Bench Court Rules Graphic Abortion Photos Protected by Charter
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/nov/04110510.html
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