Banned Book Day Press Release: Center for Inquiry Launches their Campaign for Freedom of Expression
September 1, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katie Kish
Phone: (647) 267-5780
E-mail: kkish@centerforinquiry.net
Web site: http://cfiontario.org
The Center for Inquiry Launches their Campaign for Freedom of Expression
In light of magazines being sued and books being banned in Canada, a series of events devoted to Free Inquiry starts September 19th.
Toronto, Ont. (September 9, 2008)- Centre for Inquiry-Ontario, will launch their Campaign for Free Inquiry on September 19, 2008 with a Banned Book Day event. The event will take place at the Centre for Inquiry-Ontario headquarters at 216 Beverley St, just south of College St at St. George from 6 - 8 pm. Speakers will include children's literature professor Deidre Baker and Canadian Research Chair in Performance and Culture Chris Innes.
Free Inquiry is under attack in Canada. Our Human Rights Commissions have insulted their name by interrogating magazine publishers for hurtful words and pictures thus going against the very purpose of the organization. University student unions across Canada deny or delay ratification to clubs they don't like, like atheist or anti-abortion groups. In September CFI Canada will inaugurate the "Campaign for Free Expression", an ongoing series of events, activities and political initiatives in support of freedom of inquiry, thought and expression. The first event will be the Banned Book Day, celebrating and commemorating those books which have been challenged or banned in society.
Even here in Canada books have been challenged to be kept off of the shelves. Banned Book Day speaker, Deidre Baker, has first hand experience as she was directly involved with keeping "The Golden Compass" on the shelves and in the schools. "The Golden Compass" is challenged because of its anti-christian sentiments and themes. At this particular event we will hear about Deidre's fight to keep a challenged book in circulation, and the importance of free speech. There will also be book readings, refreshments and a round table discussion on the philosophy of censorship and freedom of inquiry.
The Centre for Inquiry-Ontario welcomes Deidre Baker and Chris Innes on September 19 to discuss the detriment of censorship in our society and academic freedoms.
Other events that will be held within the Centre For Inquiry's Campaign for Freedom of Expression are Science Education by Paul Z, Myers on Oct 31, 2008, Larry Beinhart with his book "Salvation Boulevard" on Nov 21, 2008, an art exhibit on Art of the Sacrilege on February 15, 2009, a multi-faith panel and a fight to ratify an anti-abortion group at York University.
For more information on the event and to arrange an interview with the speakers, contact Katie Kish at (647) 267-5780.