News Release

For Immediate Release
July 28, 2004

TORONTO — The Ontario government strongly condemns the recent acts of anti-Muslim graffiti in the multifaith room at Ryerson University in Toronto.

"Incidents designed to degrade, threaten or intimidate anyone have no place in Ontario," said Attorney General Michael Bryant.

"The battle against hate and prejudice cannot be won single-handedly," said Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. "It requires a concerted effort on the part of all right-thinking, honest, humane people and organizations to take on this struggle by speaking out."

"The Muslim community should be assured that your government supports your rights and freedoms as Ontarians and Canadians," said Bryant. "Anyone charged with these acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

It is Crown policy in Ontario that offences motivated by hate towards an identifiable group be prosecuted vigorously regardless of whether personal injury is involved. A team of 15 Crown attorneys, specially trained in hate crimes legislation and the prosecution of these offences, provides regional and local support to the police, other Crowns and communities across the province.

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