Activism Defense Fund: Abortion Rights in Canada
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Defend Abortion Rights in Canada.
Hello, friends and supporters,
As someone who’s deeply committed to activism, my voice is my most powerful tool for change. It’s the tool I’ve used to address the injustices I’ve encountered and to rally support for the causes I hold dear. For those who know me well, you're aware of my unwavering commitment to social justice, activism, and my history of advocating for causes close to my heart. Over the years, I've dedicated my time and energy to a myriad of social justice initiatives. I have served as a medic at Black Lives Matter protests, I have helped organize pro-choice rallies, I have participated in campaigns to support beds for shelter animals, and I have contributed to campaigns fighting against hate speech. I've always strived to make a positive impact in the world.
Setting up a GoFundMe is an unexpected and challenging step for me to take, but I find myself in a legal battle, facing a lawsuit because of how I used my voice to advocate for reproductive rights. In October of 2021, I created a series of TikToks from a pro-choice perspective, intending to counter-protest a pro-life organization that I saw advocating outside a local abortion care clinic. As a result, I'm being sued for over $300,000 and have mounting legal fees.
In March 2021, the group that sued me obtained an injunction which (among other things) required me to take down my TikToks and prohibited me from reposting them. My lawyers won an appeal that quashed the injunction, but we recently learned the group that is suing me is seeking to appeal this decision further. I also appealed a decision that only partially dismissed the case against me following a motion seeking to dismiss the entire lawsuit against me as strategic litigation against public participation (ANTI-SLAPP). I am still waiting for the decision on that appeal.
With this extensive legal battle ongoing, my legal costs are continuing to grow. The disbursements alone required to respond to this lawsuit have already exceeded $7,000 and continue to accumulate. Disbursements do not include lawyers’ fees but just the costs of filing motions, paying for cross-examinations, and other similar costs. I believe in the power of collective action, and I'm reaching out to my friends, family, and supporters, old and new, to lend a hand during this challenging time. I am hoping to raise $15,000 to cover past and future disbursement expenses.
Any additional funds not used for this lawsuit will be donated to the National Abortion Federation , an organization that tirelessly advocates for reproductive rights and the freedom to choose.
I need your support to continue this fight for justice, not only for myself but for matters far greater than myself. Your support will not only help me in my legal battle but also empower me to continue my advocacy work, ensuring that important voices are not silenced by legal threats. This lawsuit is about more than just dollars: it's about preserving our rights to speak out on important issues, and to stand up for what we believe in. This case will have widespread implications for activism in Canada.
Please consider contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, and share it with your friends and networks. In the spirit of unity, every dollar, no matter how modest, helps. Even a $5 donation is a meaningful contribution. Your generosity is deeply appreciated, and I'm grateful for your support in these challenging times.
Together, we can make a difference and protect the fundamental rights we hold dear.
Thank you for your consideration, your empathy, and your passion for justice.
RESOURCES:
Learn about successful appeal quashing the injunction: https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onscdc/doc/2023/2023onsc5879/2023onsc5879.html
ANTI-SLAPP decision currently under appeal:
Organizer
Brooke Dietrich
Organizer
Cambridge, ON