Carrie Rentschler, a McGill University professor, claimed that Lorne Grabher’s license plate, which bore his family name, supported sexual violence against women. Consequently, since 2016, Grabher has been working to reclaim his personalized license plate after the Registrar of Motor Vehicles revoked it.
Supreme Court Ruling
Recently, the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia awarded Grabher $750 to cover his court costs. This amount matched what Grabher had previously paid to the Crown during his legal dispute over an affidavit. Justice Pierre Muise noted that this award “will do justice between the parties.”
Legal Defense and Counterarguments
Jay Cameron, Grabher’s lawyer, challenged the Crown’s report linking the plate, marked “GRABHER,” to derogatory remarks by President Donald Trump about women. Cameron argued that the report failed to establish a direct connection between the plate and Trump’s comments.
In February, Cameron emphasized, “There is zero evidence in this case linking Donald Trump, except for this report.” He urged the court to consider whether Canadian freedom of expression is influenced by foreign figures.
Crown’s Position
In defense, Alison Campbell, representing the Crown, stated that Rentschler’s report was not sensational but an academic review of how gender violence is represented and reinforced in society.
Grabher’s Perspective
Grabher explained that the license plate, gifted to him in 1990, was a tribute to his late father and a symbol of their Austrian-German heritage.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case will resume in early September.
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