Saskatoon Prosecutor Barred from Wearing a Poppy in Court
Saskatoon prosecutor Lana Morelli believes she should be able to honor Canadian war veterans by wearing a poppy in court. However, she was informed that such a display is not allowed under a court practice directive.
Morelli wore a poppy on her gown on Monday at the Court of King's Bench, marking the start of a trial, but later received an email stating it was prohibited. The rule, she was told, exists to ensure all court participants appear the same.
“It may open the floodgates to other items being worn on our gowns,” she explained. “The reason that gowns are worn is so that everybody looks the same, without disparities between individuals.”
Despite the directive, Morelli feels the restriction is misplaced and deeply ironic, as the courtroom symbolizes the very freedoms veterans fought to protect.
“We have freedom of speech because of what these brave men and women have done for our country,” she said. “Not being able to honour them by wearing poppies while I’m arguing for freedom and protection tugs at my heartstrings.”
Morelli, whose grandparents fought in the war, emphasized that her stance reflects her personal opinion, not that of Public Prosecutions.
Author’s Summary
Prosecutor Lana Morelli challenges a court rule preventing her from wearing a poppy, saying she simply wishes to respect Canada’s veterans within the very institution they defended.