We are pleased to share that Rebecca Hines, Senior Associate at Hunter Legal LLP, has authored an article for the April 2025 issue of the Digest of Municipal & Planning Law titled “Pride and Prejudice: How a Proclamation Request Became a Human Rights Dispute.”
The article is about the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal’s decision in Borderland Pride v. Corporation of the Township of Emo, where the Tribunal considered whether a municipality’s refusal to grant a local organization’s request to issue a Pride Month proclamation and display an LGBTQ2 flag constituted discrimination contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code. It provides an overview of the facts of the case and the Tribunal’s findings, which included a $15,000 damages award, a ruling that the mayor was not entitled to immunity under the Municipal Act, 2001, and guidance on how municipalities may seek to ensure that discretionary services like proclamations are provided in a manner that is fair, equitable, and in compliance with human rights obligations.
A copy of the article may be viewed on our website here.
Rebecca offers practical guidance for municipalities and elected officials navigating the intersection of symbolic recognition and legal responsibility, underscoring the importance of clear policies, inclusive decision-making, and ongoing education and training.
This publication provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hunter Legal LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hunter Legal LLP.