Saskatoon Prosecutor Barred from Wearing Poppy in Court
Prosecutor Lana Morelli from Saskatoon says she should be permitted to pay tribute to war veterans by wearing a poppy in court. However, she was informed that doing so violates a court practice directive.
Morelli had attached a poppy to her gown on Monday during a trial at the Court of King's Bench. Later, she received an email instructing her to remove it due to a rule meant to maintain uniformity among court officers.
"It may open the flood gates to other items being worn on our gowns," she said. "The reason that gowns are worn is so that everyone looks the same, without differences between individuals."
Despite this explanation, Morelli disagrees with the restriction and finds it deeply ironic that honouring veterans is prohibited in the very institution built to protect the freedoms they fought for.
"We have freedom of speech because of what these brave men and women have done for our country. Not being able to honour them by wearing poppies while arguing for freedom and protection tugs at my heartstrings."
Her voice trembled when asked if she had a personal reason for taking a public stance. She clarified that her comments reflect her personal opinion, not that of Public Prosecutions.
"I have grandparents that have fought in the war."
Author’s Summary
A Saskatoon prosecutor challenges a court directive banning poppies on gowns, calling it contradictory to the freedoms veterans fought to protect.