The Ontario mom who was ordered to remove an anti-Trudeau flag from her own home is now being supported by a prominent legal-rights charity.
The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) announced its support for the Port Colborne resident in a press release on Thursday. The CCF will help her appeal the city’s order.
Melissa, a working mother, says she displayed the flag out of frustration with the results of the Sept. 21 federal election.
The “*” in “F*CK TRUDEAU” is represented by a maple leaf.
People called the city to complain about the flag, and two weeks ago she received a notice ordering her to remove it.
CCF lawyer and spokesperson Christine Van Geyn defends flying the “F*CK TRUDEAU” flag as a fundamental freedom.
“Like every citizen of Canada, Melissa has a Charter-protected right to express her political views. She is flying a flag on her own property, expressing a political sentiment that frankly is not even that uncommon. If her flag bothers some people at Port Colborne city hall, I suggest they drive down a different street instead of trying to tell Melissa what she can and cannot say.”
According to the relevant Port Colborne bylaw, “exterior walls of a dwelling and their components shall be free of unauthorized signs, painted slogans, graffiti and similar defacements.”
Van Geyn considers the bylaw order an overreach of local government.
“This case is an example of how municipal governments have the potential to be the most oppressive site of local authority because it is closest to the citizen, and we are proud that Melissa is willing to fight back against her municipal government,” concluded Van Geyn.
“One of the wonderful things about a country like Canada is that you can mock the Prime Minister and not be punished for it. There are many countries around the world that do not have that freedom, and we cannot forget how precious that is.”
F*CK TRUDEAU swag – including bumper stickers, mugs, hoodies and hats – has become a common sight in many parts of Canada. The online marketplace Etsy.com offers a wide selection of these products.
