Ontario judge rules that calling drag queens ‘groomers’ is defamatory

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has ruled it "defamatory" to label drag queens as "groomers" and using such terminology is not protected by Canada's free speech laws.

According to The Counter Signal, the decision is part of a ruling in the case of Rainbow Alliance Dryden (RAD) et al v. Webster, with Justice Tracey Nieckarz determining that "it is reasonable to conclude that the suggestion that … drag performers are 'groomers', merely because of their sexual or performance identity, is defamatory." 

Nieckarz was appointed to her post by former Trudeau government Attorney General David Lametti. The judge's ruling pertained to a case between the RAD and Brian Webster, a blogger who called drag queens groomers.

Taxpayer-funded Egale Canada, an LGBTQ lobby group, joined in the lawsuit against Webster.

The decision could effectively criminalize negative depictions of drag queens and allows the RAD to proceed with a defamation lawsuit. Webster accused drag queens of sexualizing children by promoting membership in the LGBTQ community.

Nieckarz rejected Webster's defense that he was critiquing a CBC story defending drag queen story hours.

"The Defendant's comments went well beyond that, perpetuating hurtful myths and stereotypes about vulnerable members in our society. Webster's argument that he was accusing the CBC of grooming has no merit based on a plain reading of the post," Nieckarz said.

She said Webster defamed drag queens by implying their relationship to children is essentially pedophilic and that accusing these performers of being "groomers" is an attack on their reputations The judge also dismissed any suggestions that Webster's opinions could be considered fair comment.

The ruling has established a legal precedent for drag queens throughout Canada who are anxious to sue their detractors for defamation.