CJC wraps up its Collins case Canadian Jewish Congress says it’s not looking for a fine By Andre Ramshaw Contributing Writer FORGET the money, show me a cease and desist order. That was the position taken Monday by the Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC) in its closing statements at the North Shore News human rights hearing. A_ one-person tribunal chaired by Nitya Iyer is hearing final arguments this week in the groundbreaking case, which was brought by the CJC against the newspaper and columnist Doug Collins. At issue is a 1994 piece by Collins head- lined Hollywood propaganda that questions the number of Jews killed in the Holocaust and criticizes the “Jewish influence” in American film-making. In its 86-page submission, the CJC says it is not seeking compensation. “In this case, particularly having regard to the anti-Semitic context, the harm done by ‘Hollywood propaganda’ cannot be mea- sured by money.” Instead, the organization wants an order that will prevent Collins and the News from “publishing the same or similar articles that are likely to expose Jews, individually or col- lectively, to hatred or contempt because of their religion.” . In his statements to fyer, CJC lawyer Gregory Walsh said the hearing could have been avoided if Collins had said he was sorry. The “low point” for the CJC during the hearing, which began on May 11, came when Collins and News managing editor Timothy Renshaw both refused to apologize for the WEA Lake Discover Kelowna’s Lake Okanagan Resort column, said Walsh. Renshaw said in earlier testimony that it is difficule to say sorry for an opinion, and Collins said during his evidence: “They could hang me up by the heels and they wouldn't get an apology.” The CJC says a cease and desist order is the only way Jews and those with Jewish- sounding names can go about the communi- ty without feeling they are under a cloud of contempt and distrust. “They will never know the extent to which they are the targets of discrimination because of their religion,” the submission states. “They only know that if such publica- tions cease, exposure to hatred and contempt because of their religion and the harm it caus- es will diminish.” The CJC maintains that the “words and evidence in this case are overwhelming.” Tt goes on: “There is no room to doubt that the message of Hollywood propaganda was likely to expose Jewish people to hatred or contempt because of their religion.” Walsh said groups must be afforded the same rights as individuals to defend them- selves against defamatory — statements. Without group remedies, individuals can suf- fer devastating harms. He said stereotypes sre always harmful, rather than merely offensive, and are there- fore always in the realm of hate speech. “It is always harmful, without fail, to iden- tify people by immutable or attributable group characteristics and then vilify individ- ual members based on that stereotyping.” On the larger constitutional issue, Walsh argued that a person’s right to self-worth and dignity is a core value that must nor be over- ridden by free speech provisions. “All the rights ‘in our Charter are funda- mental,” he stressed, “there is no supremacy of one right over another.” News lawyer David Sutherland is expect- ed to begin his final remarks today. Okanagan CSOVE “a: nA An incredible offer for summer fun!! *3 Days, 2 Nights 2 day optional extension Full Price Special Offer saree °99,95** $379:00 ‘279.00 Take Advantage of this Special Offer Valid July 1 ~ July 15, ‘oore “Guests on this package will participate in a tour of the resort and a 120 minute vacation ownership presentation. Enjoy water sports, golf, tennis, horseback riding, parasailing, Kids’ Kamp, patio dining, pools, hot tubs and much more! ‘1-800-661-6766. some restrictions apply : NEWS photo Pau! McGrath Fun with Freddy THE Freddy Fudpucker band grew a bit with the percussion provided by (seated left to right) Julia Zhang, Graham McLandy and Sam MacDonald at Lower Lonsdale Community Days on Saturday. The “Best in the industry* technologies and products have been employed, fram the latest computer software and hardware, best designed furnishing, all new heavy equipment such as hoists and specialty tools, to environment friendly systems for waste oil, coolant and refrigerant recovery. V6 engine, dual sliding doors, air conditioning & much, much more 1526903" *9,703= | * 30 mo., $3300 down, T.P. $11,370 + Taxes O.A.C. Sub-vented lease in lieu of RDA, ** Single Payment Lease — 30 mo. term — rate sub-vented in lieu of RDA CRIED: Chrysler's discount superstore ZEIT