Commentary
Laws that confer different legal rights and obligations based on an individual’s race, ethnicity, or ancestry are racist laws. Racist laws are not based on truth, and they most certainly will never bring about reconciliation.
A horrible example of racism can be seen in the recent Ontario Court of Justice ruling in R. v. Wilson.
In February 2022, Darris Wilson was operating his Dodge Ram pickup truck at close to twice the posted speed limit when he veered into oncoming traffic and struck the vehicle driven by Naomi Beverly with her 12-year-old daughter Sierra Beverly. Sierra died in the collision. Naomi suffered severe brain injuries and now requires 24-hour supervision and attendant care because of her combined physical, affective, and cognitive impairments. Wilson had likely consumed alcohol prior to the collision, but this could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Victim impact statements expressed unimaginable loss, grief, and anger….