FYI: Three Updates For A Sunday

Below are three updates of issues discussed over the past thirty days:

1. October 11: Is "Innocent Nudity" Expression? My follow-up blog referred to the case of Gwen Jacobs, who was charged with an indecent act under s.173 of the Criminal Code for appearing topless in downtown Guelph on a hot summer day. She was later acquitted by the Ontario Court of Appeal on the basis that her act was not committed in a sexual context, which was a required element of the offence. At the time, she was hailed as a fearless advocate for the rights movement. Today Gwen is still an activist and on Friday she appeared with her daughter at Occupy Toronto to lend her support. For those wondering, yes, she did have her shirt on - it was cold out! However, thanks to Gwen, breastfeeding at that public event or really anywhere now is acceptable.

2. October 18: Wristbands Are In Effect: The "Keep A Breast" Campaign. Doing a quick Google search reveals this story has received a lot of attention. Commentators on websites, journalists, and bloggers alike all seem to be against the ban. Some comments even set the campaign side by side with Movember, the prostate cancer "grow a moustache" fundraiser. One online article is particularly moving as it reveals some girls wear the wristbands in honour of a loved one who had breast cancer. This becomes particularly meaningful considering, on average, 64 Canadian women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer and 14 women are dying daily of the disease. If you are unable to find the wristbands for purchase, you can go here to post a virtual wristband on your Facebook page or Twitter account.

3. October 21: Where The Wild Things Are. In this post on animal rights issues, I mention Lucy the Elephant in the Edmonton Zoo and the fight for her release. The matter is currently before the Supreme Court of Canada. But what of Lucy and her plight? Recently, the City of Edmonton has decided to take steps to winterize Lucy's enclosure at the zoo. Why now after Lucy has already spent umpteen winters in the Northern Alberta City? The move is after recommendations from a "third party specialist" who examined her. Although the renovation is welcomed by animal rights groups such as PETA, who are involved in advocating for Lucy's release, the gesture does not go far enough over fears she will not survive the harsh winter. As of November 7, both parties to the SCC action have filed their arguments at the Court. It is now a race against time but there is surprising evidence that Elephants can, in fact, run. Go Lucy go!