The Justice Minister of Nova Scotia has lifted a ban on the publication of the name of the unfortunate and now deceased young woman who has been the subject of a national tale of gossip and scandal for more than two years. She is of course Rehtaeh Parsons. Her story has been sensationalized to an outcome which leaves many people with deep regret. Regret not just about bullying and teenage bad judgement but also for the morbid fascination it held for the media. It is true that this pretty teen with the delicately rebellious name (Heather spelled backwards) suffered a terrible agony of humiliation and shame at the hands of those she thought were her friends. But it is also true she committed indiscretions which exposed her to this abuse. Please do not bother to complain that this is blaming the victim. The facts are the facts. If others had had as much concern for Rehtaeh she might still be alive. Any adult knows the odds were high for her to grow up and lead a happy life. In making the decision to permit publication, the Nova Scotia Minister, Lena Metlege Dia, has said there will be no prosecution as long as Retahah’s name is not used in a derogatory fashion. That’s fine but we trust the minister will accommodate the truth about this sad matter before seeking to charge anyone.Caring enough about Rehteah to speak the truth
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The Justice Minister of Nova Scotia has lifted a ban on the publication of the name of the unfortunate and now deceased young woman who has been the subject of a national tale of gossip and scandal for more than two years. She is of course Rehtaeh Parsons. Her story has been sensationalized to an outcome which leaves many people with deep regret. Regret not just about bullying and teenage bad judgement but also for the morbid fascination it held for the media. It is true that this pretty teen with the delicately rebellious name (Heather spelled backwards) suffered a terrible agony of humiliation and shame at the hands of those she thought were her friends. But it is also true she committed indiscretions which exposed her to this abuse. Please do not bother to complain that this is blaming the victim. The facts are the facts. If others had had as much concern for Rehtaeh she might still be alive. Any adult knows the odds were high for her to grow up and lead a happy life. In making the decision to permit publication, the Nova Scotia Minister, Lena Metlege Dia, has said there will be no prosecution as long as Retahah’s name is not used in a derogatory fashion. That’s fine but we trust the minister will accommodate the truth about this sad matter before seeking to charge anyone.