The Bishop of Niagara is suing a blogger over online material he claims was fashioned to hold the spiritual leader of 25,000 Anglicans up to ridicule and contempt.
The defamation lawsuit claims that Michael Bird, Hamilton-based bishop for the 90 parishes in the diocese, which includes Hamilton, has been pilloried on the blog as a weak, ineffectual leader, portrayed as a thief, described as having a sexual fetish and labelled an atheist.
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert had better beware of the bishop scorned and not address this topic in their satirical manner. Oops, I forgot, they would probably be forgiven. 😉
This is the result of Canada more or less affirming a legal right not to be offended.
RE: “claims that Michael Bird, Hamilton-based bishop for the 90 parishes in the diocese, which includes Hamilton, has been pilloried on the blog as a weak, ineffectual leader . . . ”
[b]What an outrage!!!! Who on earth would Dare assert that Michael Bird is a weak, ineffectual leader?????[/b]
[i]I’m Deeply Offended by such a suggestion.[/i]
Having examined said blog, its author is certainly over the top, to such an extent that only the most credulous and ignorant person imaginable could possibly conclude that what was written is not outrageous and very naughty satire. If Canada does not protect the free expression of satire under its laws, too bad for them.
Perhaps this Bish is so thin-skinned that he dehydrated and suffered moe in the delerium than in the event?
In my rapidly advancing old age, I still adhere to the idea that respect is to be earned, not demanded, nor to be sued for.
I also note that several liberals of my acquaintance are totally unable to appreciate sarcasm. That’s sad….