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Local comic's lawyer leaves human rights tribunal as it begins By LISA TALLYN Staff Writer The lawyer for Georgetown comic Guy Earle withdrew Monday from a human rights tribunal hearing in Vancouver. Earle, at the centre of the hearing, is accused of subjecting Lorna Pardy and her same-sex partner to homophobic and sexist comments during an amateur comedy night at a B.C. restaurant back in 2007 while he was working as a volunteer master of ceremonies. Earle, who remained in Georgetown and did not attend the hearing, said his lawyer James Millar walked out of the hearing on his instructions. "We don't consider the proceedings legal in the face of the Supreme Court quash," said Earle referring to the B.C. Supreme Court's decision last September to quash the tribunal's decision to have a full hearing. "I won't defend myself and my lawyer won't validate an illegal process. The Supreme Court asked them to define their jurisdiction before they proceed, and they didn't," said Earle. "No matter what I said, as far as I'm concerned I'm protected," said Earle, who believes his remarks come with the comedy show territory and his right to free speech as an artist performing on stage. "Stand-up comics are the canaries in a coalmine of freedom of speech. When they start restricting what we say, you're next," said Earle. Pardy reportedly is claiming she suffered post-traumatic stress from the incident and is seeking $20,000 in damages from Earle the restaurant owner. The hearing is expected to end today (Thursday). Georgetown 9 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, April 1, 2010 GARDEN CENTRE Andrea & Joe 140 GUELPH ST. 905 877-8882 OPEN GOOD FRIDAY Easter Weekend - Open Fri. & Sat. 9 am - 6 pm Just in time for Easter! Easter Lilies or 3 · Daffodils · Tulips · Hyacinths or 3 99 each 5 for 00 6 for 99 each 1900 5 to 7 blooms 16 6" Pot Fresh Cut Hydrangeas from 999 3 10 Bouquets for 00 Large Selection of Flowering House Plants `I won't defend myself and my lawyer won't validate an illegal process. No matter what I said, as far as I'm concerned, I'm protected.' --Comedian Guy Earle Newspaper office closed for Good Friday The Independent & Free Press office will be closed tomorrow (Friday) so staff can enjoy the Good Friday holiday. The office will reopen Monday, April 5 at 8:30 a.m. We wish all our readers and advertisers an enjoyable holiday and remind everyone to not drink and drive. MOVING 10 FLOOR HOT TUBS SALE MODELS TO YOUR Emeral d I sle HOME FURNISHINGS BACKYARD 265 GUELPH ST., GEORGETOWN 905-873-2753 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK PRICED TO MOVE