Choosing to wear a poppy shouldn’t be politicized, but neither should the courtroom.
On Nov. 6, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston posted to Facebook, claiming there was an order issued to prohibit court employees from wearing a poppy while on duty. Suggesting the logic behind this order’ is that poppies are a ‘political statement,’ Houston called the order “wrong” and “disgusting.” While banning the poppy in the courtroom feels unnecessary given its relatively apolitical nature, the issue isn’t as black and white as Houston makes it out to be.
While the Nova Scotia Judiciary responded that no such order had been issued, it’s understandable why it could’ve come about. Because the money from poppy sales goes towards veterans’ affairs, the poppy does support a cause. Though in Canada, most are proud to wear a poppy as a symbol of remembrance and respect, some may see the support for veterans as a political statement in support of veterans.
All judicial systems must understand that different things are political to different people, and perhaps it’s best to ban symbols outright.
That said, banning certain symbols could impinge on someone’s personal liberties. As seen in the response to Quebec’s Bill 21 “Act respecting the laicity of the State,” which bans public servants from wearing religious symbols isn’t fair, considering how deeply personal and sincerely held religious beliefs can be. Though not a religious symbol, the poppy’ is incredibly important to some people, and it isn’t completely clear where the line between personal expression and political symbolism lies.
The poppy shouldn’t affect a court official’s ability to do their job in the first place. Courts should be free of bias regardless of what someone’ is wearing. The expectation that judges and staff don’t wear any symbols of any kind is in place for a reason; however, the poppy seems to be an unintended casualty of this expectation.
Though in support of a cause, the poppy isn’t an inherently political statement. Every November, there seems to be some debate over poppies, whether it be the legitimacy of rainbow poppies or the presence of poppies in the workplace; it shouldn’t be this controversial to show your support for veterans past and present, who’ve made significant sacrifices to preserve our freedom. Trends such as the rainbow poppy were blown out of proportion, creating undue controversy on the topic.
The poppy is a universal symbol of remembrance and mourning, and it’s a shame its presence is consistently reduced to technical debates. Poppies should be allowed in the courtroom; however,
the need for impartiality doesn’t make the question easy. Perhaps before taking to social media, Houston should’ve considered the fact that a poppy might not be appropriate in all cases.
—Journal Editorial Board
Tags
Halifax, Nova Scotia, poppies, veterans, Veterans Affairs
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