Dr. Jordan Peterson.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK: Jordan Peterson
May 09, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Last week, a petition to Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas was launched on Change.org demanding that he cancel the upcoming Jordan Peterson performance at Prospera Place.
Now, a counter petition has been launched on the same site calling on the mayor and council to support the presentation.
“Free speech is one of the most important pillars of democracy,” that petition, started by Ryan Patterson, says. “In an era where cancel culture is rampant, it is increasingly challenging to express one's opinion without fear of retribution.”
Peterson’s appearance is May 26 at Prospera Place. Tickets seem to be sold out.
“Mr. Peterson actually uses his platform to oppose Canadian values such as free speech, multiculturalism and justice for oppressed people like BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ people,” the anti-Peterson petition says. “Mr. Peterson often lashes out against protest as a violation of his free speech, yet in the next breath he seeks to shame and silence fat models, trans influencers, feminists and the presentations of various cultural elements like burkas.”
READ MORE: Cancel Jordan Peterson’s Kelowna event, petition demands
The anti-Peterson petition has gathered close to 900 signatures and says there will be two protests held if it’s not cancelled.
The first will be at Kelowna City Hall at 2 p.m. on May 19 and the second at Prospera Place at 5:30 p.m. on May 26. The performance is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.
“His speeches are always thought-provoking and challenge individuals to think critically about their beliefs and actions,” the pro-Peterson petition says. “Peterson's ideas about the importance of taking responsibility for one's life and the benefits of developing good habits are particularly relevant in today's society, where people are increasingly looking for quick fixes and easy solutions.
Peterson himself has commented on the policy on Twitter and fanned the flames.
"I've been cancelled by better people than this sorry lot," he wrote. "Virtue-signaling censorious narcissists."
That petition has more than 130 names on it.
On his Facebook page, Peterson describes himself, simply, as a “clinical psychologist, podcaster and best-selling author.”
The pro-Peterson petition can be viewed here.
The anti-Peterson petition can be viewed here.
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