The Paranormal Blog

Miss Toronto Tourism Loses Credibility As A Picket Is Planned Here In T.O. For February 2nd.

There has been a vehement outcry against Miss Toronto Tourism in response to their rejection of pageant judge Stephanie Conover because of her spiritual beliefs.

But it turns out religious expression might not be the only thing the Miss Toronto Tourism Board wants to stomp-out. An interesting coincidence has been discovered by Michael MacKid, an activist researcher. "If you google the names 'Warren Booth' and 'K Murray' you end up with three search results pointing at two organizations. One is the Miss Toronto Tourism Board of Directors (which is directed by K Murray), and the other is the defunct manandwomanunion.com -- an anti-gay organization that had fought to overturn same-sex marriage legislation in Canada."

Organizers are planning a picket at the Miss Toronto Tourism Pageant on Saturday, February 2. Supporters for Ms. Conover are asked to arrive at the Waterfront Raddison Admiral, 249 Queen's Quay West, at 4:00 p.m. "The directors of the Miss Toronto Tourism pageants' actions beg for attention," says Picket Organizer Tracey Hayes. "As a Canadian citizen, Stephanie Conover deserves equal and fair treatment as afforded her by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. One can not be treated unjustly because of one's interests or religious beliefs. Canadian citizens are outraged and will stand strong in support of Stephanie Conover."

Three Facebook groups have also been launched to protest the injustice against Ms. Conover, and the combined results are over 700 members strong -- and growing. "I am calling all people to take a stand for equality," says Devika Singh, one of the Facebook protestors. "Last time I checked, religious bigotry was not only illegal but immoral."

Longtime Pagan activist Devyn Christopher Gillette also questions the legality of Miss Toronto Tourism's actions. "Pageant representatives are flatly and openly discriminating against Ms. Conover on the grounds of her beliefs. This is illegal in Canada and a violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code."

Ms. Conover is currently seeking legal counsel.

To help with legal expenses, The Psychic Brunch has offered to donate 20% from their next Brunch (on February 10 at The Old Nick, 123 Danforth, 1-6pm, www.psychicbrunch.ca) to Ms. Conover. Says Ralph Hamelmann, Psychic Brunch founder, "Ms. Conover was rejected because of her interest in Tarot and Reiki, but these are healing tools used to help people. There's nothing 'dark' here except the ignorance from Miss Toronto Tourism ."

Since the incident began, protestors have been contacting the Miss Toronto Tourism's sponsors. Marca College said they would be pulling out as a sponsor, while Mary Kay Cosmetics and Michel Dauda Photography both claim they were never supporters of the event. In fact, a spokes-person from Mary Kay said their legal department would be investigating the matter. Another sponsor, Paul Murton, of Image Library and CD Duplication Toronto, finds the matter "rather silly" but is grateful for the media attention and opportunity to "share a good laugh" over the incident with clients. Since this initiative began, the Pageant's sponsor page has been reduced to two sponsors from 18.

"The driving force behind our actions is human rights," says Hamelmann. "Stephanie Conover deserves an apology for all she's been through."

In the meantime, Gillette is perplexed by the Pageant's perception that Ms. Conover's defending her legal rights was vindictive and "stirring up trouble". According to Gillette, "to suggest such demonstrates exactly how out of touch the pageant is with the principles of this nation, and of a healthy, multicultural society".

MEDIA CONTACTS:

TRACEY HAYES (905)623-7908
Event Creator: Picket Miss Toronto Tourism
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=8370872547&ref=mf

RALPH HAMELMANN (416) 944-2241
Group Creator: Boycott Miss Toronto Tourism for ignorance towards reiki, Wicca & tarot
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9993606721&ref=mf
Founder of The Psychic Brunch: http://www.psychicbrunch.ca

DEVIKA SINGH (416) 937-3106
Group Creator: Miss Toronto Tourism Needs a Reality Check!!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8330358262&ref=mf
www.akashicfaqs.com

DEVYN CHRISTOPHER GILLETTE (416) 557-5509
Group Creator: I Support Stephanie Conover
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=23238326400&ref=mf