Saskatoon Prosecutor Challenges Ban on Wearing Poppy in Court
A Saskatoon prosecutor, Lana Morelli, argues that she should be permitted to wear a poppy in court to honor Canadian war veterans. However, she was informed she cannot due to a court "practice directive."
Respecting Veterans in the Courtroom
Morelli wore a poppy on her gown at the Court of King's Bench on Monday, at the start of a trial. The directive reportedly prevents such displays to maintain uniformity among those wearing gowns in court.
"It may open the flood gates to other items being worn on our gowns," Morelli explained about the directive's reasoning.
"The reason that gowns are worn are so that everybody looks the same, so that there is no issues or disparities between individuals. And that, if we start to wear poppies, that people may start wearing other adornments onto their gowns or make those requests."
Morelli’s Response to the Directive
She disagrees with the rationale and finds it ironic that honoring veterans in the very place they fought to protect is disallowed.
"We have freedom of speech because of what these brave men and women have done for our country," she said. "And not being able to honour them by wearing poppies while I'm arguing for freedom and protection tugs at my heartstrings."
Personal Commitment
When asked about her motivation for publicly opposing the directive, Morelli’s voice showed emotion.
"I have grandparents that have fought in the war," she shared, emphasizing that her stance reflects her personal view, not that of Public Prosecutions.
Author’s summary: Lana Morelli challenges a court directive forbidding the poppy in court, highlighting the irony of barring veteran remembrance in a place defending their sacrifices.