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Ontario Human Rights Commission intervenes in motorcycle helmet case involving religious accomodation

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February 14, 2008

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For immediate publication

Toronto - The Commission will appear as an intervener at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on February 14 and 15, 2008, in the case of R. v. Badesha.

Mr. Badesha, a devout Sikh who, in observance of his faith, wears a turban, was charged with operating a motorcycle on a highway without wearing a helmet contrary to the Highway Traffic Act. Mr. Badesha is seeking to be excused from this requirement for religious reasons.

The Commission is intervening as the case involves the interpretation and application of Ontario’s Human Rights Code and will be taking a position in support of Mr. Badesha’s request for religious accommodation.

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Afroze Edwards
Sr. Communications Officer
Communications and Issues Management
afroze.edwards@ohrc.on.ca
(416) 314-4528

Jeff Poirier
Senior Policy Analyst
Policy Education, Monitoring and Outreach Branch (PEMO)
Ontario Human Rights Commission
jeff.poirier@ohrc.on.ca
(416)314-4539