Once Again, Federal ‘gag law’ Struck Down by Court

TORONTO, October 15, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – On Wednesday, the Ontario Court of Justice dismissed charges against the National Citizen’s Coalition for violating new restrictions in the federal Elections Act limiting third party spending on advertising. The court ruled that the section of the Act violates the Charter of Rights and specifically right to freedom of speech.  The Coalition ran a series of 15-second TV ads during the 2000 federal election that were critical of the gag law. The election commission charged the Coalition with breaking the law that was opposing. The gag law part of the Elections Act limits third-party spending on advertising and requires them to register with the Elections Commission if they spend more than $500 on advertising.  The NCC objected that the law limits the ability of grassroots organizations to participate in the electoral process. Non-aligned environmental, taxpayer, pro-life and many other groups would have been severely restricted under the law in their attempts to have their issues fairly addressed by all the candidates and parties during elections.