The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission:

A hearing will commence on Monday, September 9, 1996 in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland, Trial Division, to determine whether the third vision standard established for the position of Deputy Sheriff 1 by the Department of Justice is a bona fide occupational qualification as permitted by section 9 of the Human Rights Code.

In 1993 Kelly Hanlon and Kathryn Lewis filed complaints with the Human Rights Commission alleging that they were discriminated against by the Department of Justice when they were not permitted to compete for the position of Deputy Sheriff I because they did not meet the first vision standard set for the position. Gillian D. Butler, acting as a human rights Board of Inquiry, ruled in Ms. Hanlon's and Ms. Lewis' favour. The Department of Justice appealed the Board of Inquiry's decision but abandoned the appeal at the date set for the hearing.

The Department of Justice subsequently instituted a second vision standard. Ms. Lewis and Ms. Hanlon, along with a third complainant, Christopher Martin, did not meet the second vision standard. The three individuals filed a second complaint with the Human Rights Commission and on January 31, 1996 a Board of Inquiry ruled in their favour.

The Department of Justice had appealed the second Board of Inquiry decision and subsequently abandoned the appeal on the date set for its hearing. At that time officials of the department announced the institution of a third vision standard.

The purpose of the hearing scheduled for Monday, September 9 is to determine if the third vision standard is discriminatory and if it is, to set an appropriate non-discriminatory vision standard.

Contact:

• Barry G. Fleming, Solicitor
  Human Rights Commission
  P. O. Box 8700
  St. John's, Newfoundland
  A1B 4J6
  Phone: (709) 729-2709 or (709) 729-5812
  Toll Free: 1-800-563-5808