She handed out a flyer. Now she faces a human rights hearing

You are taking part in democracy.

You are exercising your freedom of expression.

You are acting as a model citizen.

Then someone files a human rights complaint against you.

Next you face a prosecution that could mean you have to pay tens of thousands of dollars to the complainant.

This is what happened to Benita Pedersen. In June 2023, Benita learned that her Town of Westlock, Alberta, planned to paint a rainbow crosswalk featuring colours associated with "Pride" and transgenderism. Benita disagreed with the project. So, she did what a free Canadian has every right to do: she handed out a flyer urging the town council to “Cancel the rainbow crosswalk” and encouraged residents to contact their elected officials.

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She handed out a flyer. Now she faces a human rights hearing

Imagine handing out a flyer in your own community, encouraging your neighbours to contact their elected officials.

You are taking part in democracy.

You are exercising your freedom of expression.… pic.twitter.com/cGU4CT3lBq

— Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (@JCCFCanada)September 10, 2026