Activists On Trial

Where:
Trinity St. Paul's United Church (The Sanctuary)
427 Bloor Street West, between Robert and Major Streets and just west of Spadina Avenue
Spadina subway closest public transit stop

Time & Date:
Tuesday November 14, 2006
7:00pm to 8:30pm
Doors open 6:30pm

One Vote A Democratic Society Does Not Make

A democratic society is not simply defined by the ability to cast a vote. It is also about having the ability to freely engage in civil activism and freedom of expression. This sort of community dialogue and outreach gave us many of the rights and freedoms we now enjoy. Women can vote today because women decades ago marched. Black Americans marched, rioted and some died so they could vote.

But these rights and freedoms that belong to every single person are not equally distributed. In history and still today, activists often find these basic freedoms stripped as their voice grows too loud or gains too much public support.

John Clarke, a lead organizer with the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty will be speaking on Tuesday November 14 as part of a speakers series entitled "Activists On Trial".

For more info on all the arrests from the June 15th demonstration click here

In 2000, John Clarke was arrested for allegedly encouraging and participating in a riot after a Queen's Park rally got out of hand. Three poverty activists were brought to trial, but crown attorneys failed to convince the jury to convict. John Clarke will discuss how progressive organizations can defend themselves from authorities that use the judicial system to thwart social justice activism. The courts listen to legal defences that are principled but legally sound. These defences set new legal precedents and broaden our interpretation of the law.

"Activists on Trial" has been organized to discuss the importance of civil activism in shaping modern civil society and highlight lead activists that have experienced legal repercussions for their work.

Where:
Trinity St. Paul's United Church (The Sanctuary)
427 Bloor Street West, between Robert and Major Streets and just west of Spadina Avenue
Spadina subway closest public transit stop

Time:
7:00pm to 8:30pm
Doors open 6:30pm

Tickets: sold at the door
$12 for adults
$2 for the unemployed
homeless free

Everyone is welcome !

Other Upcoming Speakers

Tuesday November 21, 2006
Robert Kellerman, Law Union of Ontario
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms – What Is It, Why Do We Need It.

Wednesday November 22, 2006
Janie Jamieson, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory
Atitudes Towards Aboriginal Activism in Caledonia