RSS FeedFemale Ski Jumpers Refused Leave to Appeal
In what must feel like a complete let down only two months before the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, the Supreme Court of Canada has refused a leave of appeal by a group of female ski jumpers who are demanding for equality with hopes that they too will be allowed to compete alongside their male counterparts in February. The SCC did not release any reasons for their decision.
The women’s lawyer, called the decision a case of “textbook discrimination.”
The trials and tribulations began when the women launched a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. When that failed, they pursued a court action.
The IOC voted not to include women’s ski jumping at the 2010 Winter Olympics because the sport didn’t meet the necessary criteria for inclusion. The IOC requires that a sport must have contested at least two world championships before it can become an Olympic event. There are also rules dictating how far in advance a sport can be added to the Olympic program.
Women Ski Jumpers Grounded…
The BC Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal filed on behalf of a number of a group of women ski jumpers attempting to get inclusion into next years olympics being held in Vancouver. Written statements were not given, but will be available next week.
Previously, the BC Superior Court ruled that although there are definite Charter breaches and discrimination is evident, they do not apply to the Swiss based International Olympic Committee. On behalf of the women ski jumpers, they argue because the women’s event is not yet a recognized sport, they are under the jurisdiction of VANOC (Vancouver Olympic Committee), which as a Canadian organization is bound by the Charter.
There is no word to whether this will be appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Should they continue to the SCC and win the IOC will be forced into one of three options:
1. Include them
2. Cancel the men’s event.
3. Hold the men’s event outside Canada, so the Charter does not apply, and they can hold only the men’s event.
As the eleventh hour of the games near, if they decide to go to the SCC, expect a quick turnaround.
