Trial Begins for Heckler-Admonishing Comedian

How surreal this all is.

 

A BC Human Rights Tribunal hearing began today for comedian Guy Earle on whether he went too far in responding to a pair of hecklers. The hecklers happen to be lesbians, and Earle's comments definitely made reference of that fact.

 

We discussed this case at the beginning of February - you can read more here, and also listen to our interview at the time with Guy Earle.

 

Day one of the trial proved eventful: 

...on Monday the standup-comedy routine that took place May 22, 2007, in Zesty's Restaurant on Commercial Drive landed in the tight quarters of hearing Room Four of the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.

Toronto comedian Guy Earle is being sued by Vancouver airport meteorological technician Lorna Pardy, 32. under Section 8 of the B.C. Human Rights Code. Her complaint alleges that he discriminated against her on the basis of her sexuality by subjecting her and her lesbian partner to sexually graphic and demeaning remarks during and after his routine.

(...)
However, before any evidence was presented, the lawyer representing Earle walked out of the hearing claiming the process was illegal.

Jim Millar, an experienced Vancouver lawyer, left after failing to convince tribunal member Murray Geiger-Adams that the issue of whether the tribunal had jurisdiction to accept the complaint should be dealt with before — not after — the evidence had been presented.

 

 

Here's what Millar told reporters after storming out of the hearing: 

 

 

Via the Guy Earle Trial Blog, where you can read more on Millar's comments before the tribunal and the opening testimony of the complainant Lorna Pardy.