EMO — The Township of Emo is challenging the human rights ruling sanctioning them for discrimination against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
The township announced it will be seeking a judicial review of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario’s decision ordering them to pay $10,000 and to complete human rights training.
The township issued a media release stating its decision Thursday afternoon.
“As the matter is proceeding to the Divisional Court, we will not be commenting further at this time,” it said.
The township did reiterate it made a Declaration of Equality in 2022, which remains in effect.
The human rights tribunal ruled last month the 2020 decision to not declare Pride month was discriminatory to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
In November, the tribunal awarded $15,000 in compensation to Borderland Pride with the township responsible for $10,000 of the amount and Emo’s mayor, Harold McQuaker, personally responsible for the remaining $5,000. The tribunal also ordered McQuaker and Emo’s current chief administrative officer to complete human rights training within 30 days.
McQuaker previously told the Toronto Sun he would not pay the $5,000, calling it extortion.
Borderland Pride successfully sought to have the money garnished from McQuaker’s bank account.
The 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy group said in a Toronto Sun column published on Dec. 7 that the garnishment was issued by the court and delivered to the CIBC in Emo and that garnishment is a service provided by the court counter or online once a person has an order for the payment of money.”
Emo’s Declaration of Equality states “the Township recognizes the dignity and worth of all people, as well as the barriers of discrimination and disadvantage faced by human rights protected groups, including members of the LGBTQ2+ community. TheTownship of Emo commits to lead by example, fostering an environment of equality for all people in both its government – as well as in the community – regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, disability, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, same sex partnership, age, marital status, family status, immigrant status, receipt of public assistance, political affiliation, religious affiliation, level of literacy, language or socio- economic status.”
