I, Ashu M. G. Solo, filed the following:

1. Civil rights case against the City of Saskatoon (Mayor's Office) and Councillor Randy Donauer for prayer recitations at government organized events

2. Code of Conduct complaint against Mayor Don Atchison for potential online campaign advertising violations

3. Civil rights case against the City of Saskatoon (Saskatoon Transit Services) for promoting holidays from only one religion on city buses

4. Human rights complaint against the City of Saskatoon (Executive Committee) for retaliating against me by not reappointing me to the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee and not appointing me to another civic committee or board

5. Human rights complaint against the City of Saskatoon (City Solicitor’s Office) for retaliating against me by trying to deprive me of my right to directly communicate with members of City Council and by telling employees of other City of Saskatoon departments to not talk to me

6. Human rights complaint against the City of Saskatoon (Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office) and City of Saskatoon (Living in Harmony Ad Hoc Subcommittee of Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee) for retaliating against me by not considering my submissions to the Living in Harmony Contest

This site contains my media releases, some case documents, emails to City Council, etc.

I don't waste my time arguing with opponents.

The backlash makes me much more determined to fight against bigotry and shows the need for these civil rights cases, so I'll be filing more civil rights cases. You ain't seen nothing yet.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Bigoted Statements by Atchison and Donauer and Updated Media Coverage of CCLA Letter to Atchison



From: Ashu M. G. Solo [mailto:amgsolo@mavericktechnologies.us]

Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 5:24 AM
To: 'mayors.office@saskatoon.ca'; 'randy.donauer@saskatoon.ca'
Cc: 'glen.penner@saskatoon.ca'; 'pat.lorje@saskatoon.ca'; 'ann.iwanchuk@saskatoon.ca'; 'myles.heidt@saskatoon.ca'; 'charlie.clark@saskatoon.ca'; 'mairin.loewen@saskatoon.ca'; 'tiffany.paulsen@saskatoon.ca'; 'bev.dubois@saskatoon.ca'; 'darren.hill@saskatoon.ca'
Subject: Bigoted Statements by Atchison and Donauer and Updated Media Coverage of CCLA Letter to Atchison

Don Atchison and Randy Donauer,

I would first like to draw your attention to disconcerting bigoted statements made by the two of you.  This email message is blind copied to many media outlets and will be posted at

Don Atchison, when Brent Loucks of News Talk 650 CKOM asked you on air on April 24, 2012 whether you’re going to stop having public Christian prayer recitations at municipal government events in response to my complaint, you started talking about how this city was supposedly founded on Christianity by a Christian priest named John Lake.  You can hear this starting at 3 minutes 30 seconds of http://www.ckom.com/sites/default/files/Mayor_Atchison_Apr24.mp3How is this relevant at all, Don Atchison?  How is it relevant to whether there should be public Christian prayers recited at official city events in 2012 that the city was founded by a Christian priest?  In 2012, Saskatoon is an extremely diverse city with people from numerous religions as well as spiritual people, agnostics, and atheists.  Why would you say this, Don Atchison, unless you’re trying to imply that Saskatoon should be a Christian city today?  Saskatoon is not a Christian city today.  It is supposed to be and is advertised as a secular multireligious city in a secular multireligious country where all citizens are supposed to be treated equally.  Let’s have what is advertised.  Saskatoon is not advertised as an exception to the secular multireligious nature of Canada.  People moving to Saskatoon are not told that it’s a Christian city.  By talking about the Christian heritage of Saskatoon when asked if you’re going to stop having Christian prayer recitations at municipal events, you are clearly implying, Don Atchison, that you think Saskatoon was founded as a Christian city and therefore should still be a Christian city today.  This is extremely discriminatory and bigoted.  How is this not religious bigotry, Don Atchison?  How are you not a religious bigot, Don Atchison, for making this statement?  You should be ashamed of yourself.

Randy Donauer, when questioned by Betty Ann Adam of The StarPhoenix, you said you’re for freedom and tolerance and clearly meant that I’m not for freedom and tolerance for saying City of Saskatoon events should not have Christian prayer recitations.  You can see this at http://www.thestarphoenix.com/life/Christian+prayer+sparks+complaint/6496119/story.html.  This means you think that people against you trying to lead a diverse audience in a Christian prayer at a municipal government event are against freedom and tolerance.  Essentially you’re saying you should have the freedom to abuse your government office to impose your religious beliefs on others who don’t share them and give primacy to your religion over all other religions while acting as an agent of the state.  This is extremely discriminatory and bigoted.  How is this not religious bigotry, Randy Donauer?  How are you not a religious bigot, Randy Donauer, for making this statement?  You should be ashamed of yourself.

What were the two of you possibly thinking to do such a discriminatory and bigoted thing as to try to lead a multireligious audience in a Christian prayer at a municipal government event?  What kind of mannerless bigot would try to lead Hindus, Jews, Muslims, and atheists in a Christian prayer, Randy Donauer and Don Atchison?  I don’t buy this nonsense that you never gave it any thought before, Don Atchison.  You both know there have been many complaints about the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.  You help organize this event, Randy Donauer.  I was told there was a Christian prayer recitation at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet in 2011 too.  And if it were an innocent mistake to have a Christian prayer recitation at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, you would have immediately stopped the practice and apologized after I complained instead of vowing to continue it and forcing me to make a complaint against the two of you and the City of Saskatoon with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

A Christian prayer recitation at a civic event is analogous to going to a restaurant where there is only one menu option and the restaurateur force feeds you with that single menu option.  Secularism is analogous to going to a restaurant and being able to eat whatever you want.  The former is suitable for some people.  The latter is suitable for all people.  My opponents are fighting for some people.  I’m fighting for all people.

On an unrelated matter, I want to say that I think it’s totally ridiculous for a mayor to be called “his worship” or “your worship.”  I think this ridiculous practice should be changed in Saskatoon.  Gods are worshipped, not people, not mayors, and not you, Don Atchison.  I would never call anyone that, but I would especially not like to call someone I don’t like “your worship.”  Don Atchison, you would appear modest if you asked not to be called that anymore and you would then set a precedent for future mayors, but maybe you enjoy being called that.  Stating that you don’t want to be called “your worship” anymore would help repair your public image after your debacle where you said only people wearing ties can meet you and then got picked as Canada’s craziest mayor in Rick Mercer’s contest.

There has been extensive media coverage about a Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) letter to you in support of my position that civic events must be secular.  Below is an updated partial list of the coverage generated by the CCLA letter:
  
  
Articles for CCLA letter:

Gord Wiebe, "Human Rights Complaint Works its way Through the System," Saskatoonhomepage.ca, June 7, 2012,

David Hutton, "CCLA backs complaint over prayer" The StarPhoenix Blogs, June 7, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, "‘Moment’ should replace prayer at gov’t events, says civil liberties association," The StarPhoenix, June 7, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, "Group wants prayer replaced at City of Saskatoon events," The StarPhoenix, June 8, 2012,

“Saskatoon mayor asked to stop prayers,” CBC News, June 8, 2012,

“Pressions pour cesser les prières à la Ville de Saskatoon,” CBC Radio-Canada.ca, June 8, 2012,

Lisa Mrazek, “Prayer doesn’t belong at municipal events:  CCLA,” Sun News Network, June 12, 2012,
Reprints of Articles in Other Media for CCLA letter:

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, "‘Moment’ should replace prayer at gov’t events, says civil liberties association," Canada.com, June 7, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, "‘Moment’ should replace prayer at gov’t events, says civil liberties association," The Province, June 7, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, "Group wants prayer replaced at City of Saskatoon events," Canada.com, June 8, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, "Group wants prayer replaced at City of Saskatoon events," The Province, June 8, 2012,
CBC News, “Saskatoon mayor asked to stop prayers,” MSN News, June 8, 2012,

CBC News, “Saskatoon mayor asked to stop prayers,” Parkland Online, June 8, 2012,


Radio Segments for CCLA letter:

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Carol Thomson for news on CJWW Radio, June 6, 2012

"Say a prayer for the separation of church and state," Richard Brown Show, News Talk 650 CKOM and News Talk 980 CJME, June 8, 2012,

  
Radio Segments Partially about CCLA letter:

“Boots and Salutes,” CJWW Radio, June 8, 2012


Blog Posting for CCLA letter:

Jason Thibeault, “CCLA asks Saskatoon mayor ‘please stop prayer at events’,” Lousy Canuck, June 12, 2012,


Media Advisory for CCLA letter:

"MEDIA ADVISORY:  Canadian Civil Liberties Association Calls for End to Prayer Recitations at Saskatoon Government Events in Letter to Mayor Atchison," Newswire.ca, June 7, 2012,
Updated PARTIAL List of Media Coverage about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is an updated PARTIAL list of recent media coverage as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison (mayor of Saskatoon) and Randy Donauer (Saskatoon city councillor) for violating the separation of religion and government, giving primacy to their religion over all other religions at a taxpayer funded government event, and abusing their government offices to try to impose their religious beliefs on others who don’t share them.  The Centre for Inquiry Canada, Canadian Secular Alliance, and Canadian Civil Liberties Association are helping me with this case because they agree that civic events must be secular.


PARTIAL List of News Articles about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a PARTIAL list of news articles as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer sparks complaint:  Citizen felt excluded by blessing," The StarPhoenix, Apr. 21, 2012,
This article was on the third page.

Chris Mangatal, “Citizen calls out Saskatoon councillor's prayer at government event:  Ashu Solo says the prayer showed favouritism toward the Christian religion, and violates the separation of church and government,” News Talk 980 CJME, Apr. 22, 2012,

Pete Curtis and Tricia Flatley, "Complaint filed over recital of prayer before a civic dinner," 660News, Apr. 22, 2012,

Chris Mangatal, “Local offended by prayer at Saskatoon municipal event,” News Talk 650 CKOM, Apr. 23, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Grad dinner prayer draws controversy," The StarPhoenix, Apr. 23, 2012,
This article was on the third page.

Carol Thomson, "No Apology from Mayor," Saskatoonhomepage.ca, Apr. 24, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Volunteer who objected to prayer draws ire," The StarPhoenix, Apr. 26, 2012,
This article was on the third page.

"Civic functions must be secular," Editorial, The StarPhoenix, Apr. 26, 2012,
The StarPhoenix editorial board supports my position that civic events must be secular.

Farzana Hassan, "A clash of religiosities," Toronto Sun, Apr. 26, 2012,

“Prayers at Official Functions a No-No!” Asian Journal, Apr. 27, 2012,

World Report, “CP World Report:  Newt Gingrich, Atheist, Malaria Day, Northern Lights,” The Christian Post, Apr. 29, 2012,

“Saskatoon prayer controversy heats up,” CBC News, Apr. 30, 2012,

Edwin Dewaal, “Human Rights Complaint Filed,” Saskatoonhomepage.ca, May 1, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” Global Saskatoon, May 1, 2012,

Morgan Modjeski, “Local man reports threats as result of filing human rights complaint,” Metro Saskatoon, May 2, 2012,
This article was on the first page.

News Talk Radio staff, “Man files human rights complaint over Saskatoon prayer controversy,” News Talk 650 CKOM, May 2, 2012,

"We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular:  It’s Time for Us to Evolve:  Saying a Prayer at a Municipal Gathering Is Exclusionary," Editorial, Verb, May 4, 2012,
Verb’s editorial board supports my position that civic events must be secular.

Joanne McGarry, "Grievances hit a new low with complaint about Grace," Catholic Register, May 8, 2012,

“Keep Church and State Separate,” Wetaskiwin Times, May 8, 2012,

Lisa Johnson, “Believe It or Not, This Is a Secular Society,” Planet S, May 31, 2012,

Gord Wiebe, “Human Rights Complaint Works its way Through the System,” Saskatoonhomepage.ca, June 7, 2012,

David Hutton, “CCLA backs complaint over prayer” The StarPhoenix Blogs, June 7, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, “‘Moment’ should replace prayer at gov’t events, says civil liberties association,” The StarPhoenix, June 7, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, “Group wants prayer replaced at City of Saskatoon events,” The StarPhoenix, June 8, 2012,

“Saskatoon mayor asked to stop prayers,” CBC News, June 8, 2012,

“Pressions pour cesser les prières à la Ville de Saskatoon,” CBC Radio-Canada.ca, June 8, 2012,

Lisa Mrazek, “Prayer doesn’t belong at municipal events:  CCLA,” Sun News Network, June 12, 2012,


Talk Radio Interviews of Ashu M. G. Solo about Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a list of my talk radio interviews as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo on Arlene Bynon show with host Arlene Bynon, Talk Radio AM640, Apr. 23, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo on John Gormley Live with host John Gormley, News Talk 650 CKOM and News Talk 980 CJME, Apr. 24, 2012,
This segment was rebroadcast on the Victoria Day holiday on May 21, 2012.

Ashu M. G. Solo on Jim Richards Showgram with host Jim Richards, Newstalk 1010, Apr. 24, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo on Charles Adler show with host Charles Adler, Apr. 24, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo and Justin Trottier on The Roy Green Show with host Roy Green, Apr. 28, 2012,
Summary:  http://www.roygreenshow.com/2012/04/some-of-whats-on-todays-show-saturday-april-28.html

Ashu M. G. Solo on Jim Richards Showgram with host Jim Richards, Newstalk 1010, May 1, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo and Justin Trottier on The Roy Green Show with host Roy Green, May 6, 2012,
Summary:  http://www.roygreenshow.com/2012/05/heres-some-of-whats-on-todays-show-may-6.html


Radio News Interviews of Ashu M. G. Solo about Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a list of my radio news interviews as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Chris Mangatal for news on News Talk 650 CKOM, Apr. 23, 2012

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Edwin Dewaal for news on CJWW Radio, May 1, 2012

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Carol Thomson for news on CJWW Radio, June 6, 2012


Talk Radio Interview Excerpts of Ashu M. G. Solo about Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a radio segment with excerpts of a talk radio interview on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo on Charles Adler show with host Charles Adler, Apr. 25, 2012,


PARTIAL List of Reprints of News Articles about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a PARTIAL list of reprints of news articles as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer.  Some of these articles are the same, but in different newspapers.  I list the same articles in different newspapers to show the extent of coverage on their religious discrimination and bigotry.

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer by Saskatoon councillor sparks complaint," Canada.com, Apr. 21, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Atheist Ashu Solo threatens human rights complaint after Saskatoon councillor’s dinner blessing," National Post, Apr. 21, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Prayer at city function prompts complaint," Times Colonist, Apr. 22, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer by Saskatoon councillor sparks complaint," The Vancouver Sun, Apr. 22, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer hard to swallow:  Atheist has blessing issue," The Province, Apr. 22, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer by city councillor sparks complaint to Sask. Human Rights Commission:  Citizen felt excluded by blessing," The Province, Apr. 22, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer by city councillor sparks complaint to Sask. Human Rights Commission:  Citizen felt excluded by blessing," Calgary Herald, Apr. 23, 2012,

Chris Mangatal, “Local offended by prayer at Saskatoon municipal event,” PANow.com, Apr. 23, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Grad dinner prayer draws controversy," Canada.com, Apr. 23, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Grad dinner prayer draws controversy," The Province, Apr. 23, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Grad-dinner prayer draws controversy," Leader-Post, Apr. 24, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Volunteer who objected to prayer draws ire," Canada.com, Apr. 26, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Volunteer who objected to prayer draws ire," The Province, Apr. 26, 2012,

"Civic functions must be secular," Editorial, The Province, Apr. 26, 2012,

Farzana Hassan, "A clash of religiosities," The Muslim Times, Apr. 26, 2012,

Farzana Hassan, "We need clarity about religion in public space," London Free Press, Apr. 28, 2012,

“Saskatoon prayer controversy heating up,” Yahoo News, Apr. 30, 2012,

“Saskatoon prayer controversy heating up,” Parkland Online, Apr. 30, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” Huffington Post, May 1, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” MySask.com, May 1, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” Winnipeg Free Press, May 1, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” Brandon Sun, May 1, 2012,

News Talk Radio staff, “Man files human rights complaint over Saskatoon prayer controversy,” News Talk 980 CJME, May 2, 2012,

“Man files human rights complaint over Saskatoon prayer controversy,” PANow.com, May 2, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, “‘Moment’ should replace prayer at gov’t events, says civil liberties association,” Canada.com, June 7, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, “‘Moment’ should replace prayer at gov’t events, says civil liberties association,” The Province, June 7, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, “Group wants prayer replaced at City of Saskatoon events,” Canada.com, June 8, 2012,

Jeremy Warren and David Hutton, “Group wants prayer replaced at City of Saskatoon events,” The Province, June 8, 2012,

CBC News, “Saskatoon mayor asked to stop prayers,” MSN News, June 8, 2012,

CBC News, “Saskatoon mayor asked to stop prayers,” Parkland Online, June 8, 2012,


Other Radio Segments about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a list of other radio segments as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Barbara Kay on Charles Adler show with host Charles Adler, Apr. 23, 2012,

“Politics and Religion” on Blue Sky, CBC, May 1, 2012,

“Say a prayer for the separation of church and state” on Richard Brown Show, News Talk 650 CKOM and News Talk 980 CJME, June 8, 2012,

There were also numerous other short mentions of my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer on numerous radio segments.


Postcast Interview about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is the podcast interview as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo on The Legion of Reason with hosts Randy Tyson and Christine Shellska, Episode 19, May 25, 2012,


List of Blog Interviews about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a list of blog interviews as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Ian Cromwell, “Crommunist exclusive:  I interview Ashu Solo,” Crommunist Manifesto, May 17, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Ian Cromwell, “Full interview with Ashu Solo,” Crommunist Manifesto, May 17, 2012,


PARTIAL List of Blog Postings about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a PARTIAL list of blog postings as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

"So many religions so little time:  Atheist Solo stands against exclusively Christian prayers," The Crackpot Chronicle, Apr. 22, 2012,

Joe, "Atheists not appreciated in Saskatoon," Canadian Atheist, Apr. 23, 2012,

"Old news:  Judge orders school district to apologize to agnostics," One Minion's Opinion, May 2, 2012,

Ian Cromwell, “Taking them on Solo,” Crommunist Manifesto, May 17, 2012,

Jason Thibeault, “CCLA asks Saskatoon mayor ‘please stop prayer at events’,” Lousy Canuck, June 12, 2012,


PARTIAL List of Letters to the Editor about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a PARTIAL list of letters to the editor as of June 20, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Andrew Frank, “Respect Pluralism,” The StarPhoenix, Apr. 25, 2012,

Shannon Bendell, “Show maturity,” The StarPhoenix, Apr. 27, 2012,

Susan Mak, “Balanced approach,” The StarPhoenix, Apr. 27, 2012,

Colin Butler, “Mean spirit shown,” The StarPhoenix, Apr. 27, 2012,


Press Releases on Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following are the press releases as of June 20, 2012 for my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer.  These are media advisories, not media coverage:

“Media Advisory:  National Pro-Secular Organization Joins Call to Remove Saskatoon Government Prayers:  Centre for Inquiry Supports Human Rights Complaint if Necessary to Resolve Dispute,” Marketwire, Apr. 30, 2012,

“Media Advisory:  Canadian Civil Liberties Association Calls for End to Prayer Recitations at Saskatoon Government Events in Letter to Mayor Atchison,” Newswire.ca, June 7, 2012,


Information on Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is my blog as of June 20, 2012 for the public record with my emails to Don Atchison, Randy Donauer, and City Council, my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison, Donauer, and the City of Saskatoon, and my media coverage for this complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer for abusing their government offices to try to impose their religious beliefs on others who don’t share them.  This is my blog for this civil rights complaint; this is not a publication:

Ashu M. G. Solo, “Religious Discrimination and Bigotry of Mayor Don Atchison and Councillor Randy Donauer in Saskatoon,”

Sheetal Rawal, Letter to Mayor Don Atchison, Canadian Civil Liberties Association, June 5, 2012,



Wednesday, June 6, 2012

MEDIA ADVISORY: Canadian Civil Liberties Association Calls for End to Prayer Recitations at Saskatoon Government Events in Letter to Mayor Atchison


MEDIA ADVISORY:  Canadian Civil Liberties Association Calls for End to Prayer Recitations at Saskatoon Government Events in Letter to Mayor Atchison

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(June 6, 2012) - Ashu M. G. Solo filed a complaint against Mayor Don Atchison, Councillor Randy Donauer and the City of Saskatoon with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission on May 1, 2012 after Atchison called up Donauer to try to lead a diverse audience in a Christian prayer at a Volunteer Appreciation Banquet organized by the Mayor's Office.

Now the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) has sent a letter to Atchison.  The letter by Sheetal Rawal of CCLA says it was inappropriate to have a prayer recitation at the municipal event and calls for an end to prayer recitations at municipal events.  Rawal wrote, “The state should have no role in imposing, endorsing or promoting a particular religion over others, nor should it pressure or coerce an individual into a religious practice.”  See http://tinyurl.com/d7z4mug for the full letter by Rawal.

“Let people pray to their own versions of the divine or go ahead and dine,” Solo said.

Contact Information

Ashu Solo

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Latest Coverage on Civil Rights Complaint against Atchison and Donauer


From: Ashu M. G. Solo 
Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2012 10:25 AM

To:  Mayor's Office; Randy Donauer
Cc: Glen Penner; Pat Lorje; Ann Iwanchuk; Myles Heidt; Charlie Clark; Mairin Loewen; Glen Penner; Tiffany Paulsen; Bev Dubois; Darren Hill
Subject: Latest Coverage on Civil Rights Complaint against Atchison and Donauer

Hi Don Atchison and Randy Donauer,

This email didn’t go through properly to some recipients before, so I’m resending it.

Saskatoon’s Planet S magazine recently came out with this excellent article about my civil rights complaint against you:


I got a chance to really strongly criticize the two of you for your violation of civil rights in this recent Legion of Reason podcast:


I also got a chance to really strongly criticize the two of you for religious discrimination and bigotry in this recent interview for the Crommunist Manifesto blog:


Although podcasts and blogs don’t get as much attention as mainstream media, I consider them still worth being interviewed by to get my message of religious liberty out further.  Extensive mainstream media coverage follows.  Because there was such extensive media coverage in the beginning, I wasn’t able to keep you informed of it until after it was over and I was able to make a list of it.  This email is blind copied to various media outlets.

Updated PARTIAL List of Media Coverage about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is an updated PARTIAL list of recent media coverage as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison (mayor of Saskatoon) and Randy Donauer (Saskatoon city councillor) for violating the separation of religion and government, giving primacy to their religion over all other religions at a taxpayer funded government event, and abusing their government offices to try to impose their religious beliefs on others who don’t share them.  The Centre for Inquiry Canada, Canadian Secular Alliance, and Canadian Civil Liberties Association are assisting me with this case because they agree that civic events must be secular.


PARTIAL List of News Articles about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a PARTIAL list of news articles as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer sparks complaint:  Citizen felt excluded by blessing," The StarPhoenix, Apr. 21, 2012,
This article was on the third page.

Chris Mangatal, “Citizen calls out Saskatoon councillor's prayer at government event:  Ashu Solo says the prayer showed favouritism toward the Christian religion, and violates the separation of church and government,” News Talk 980 CJME, Apr. 22, 2012,

Pete Curtis and Tricia Flatley, "Complaint filed over recital of prayer before a civic dinner," 660News, Apr. 22, 2012,

Chris Mangatal, “Local offended by prayer at Saskatoon municipal event,” News Talk 650 CKOM, Apr. 23, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Grad dinner prayer draws controversy," The StarPhoenix, Apr. 23, 2012,
This article was on the third page.

Carol Thomson, "No Apology from Mayor," Saskatoonhomepage.ca, Apr. 24, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Volunteer who objected to prayer draws ire," The StarPhoenix, Apr. 26, 2012,
This article was on the third page.

"Civic functions must be secular," Editorial, The StarPhoenix, Apr. 26, 2012,
The StarPhoenix editorial board supports my position that civic events must be secular.

Farzana Hassan, "A clash of religiosities," Toronto Sun, Apr. 26, 2012,

“Prayers at Official Functions a No-No!” Asian Journal, Apr. 27, 2012,

World Report, “CP World Report:  Newt Gingrich, Atheist, Malaria Day, Northern Lights,” The Christian Post, Apr. 29, 2012,

“Saskatoon prayer controversy heats up,” CBC News, Apr. 30, 2012,

Edwin Dewaal, “Human Rights Complaint Filed,” Saskatoonhomepage.ca, May 1, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” Global Saskatoon, May 1, 2012,

Morgan Modjeski, “Local man reports threats as result of filing human rights complaint,” Metro Saskatoon, May 2, 2012,
This article was on the first page.

News Talk Radio staff, “Man files human rights complaint over Saskatoon prayer controversy,” News Talk 650 CKOM, May 2, 2012,

"We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular:  It’s Time for Us to Evolve:  Saying a Prayer at a Municipal Gathering Is Exclusionary," Editorial, Verb, May 4, 2012,
Verb’s editorial board supports my position that civic events must be secular.

Joanne McGarry, "Grievances hit a new low with complaint about Grace," Catholic Register, May 8, 2012,

“Keep Church and State Separate,” Wetaskiwin Times, May 8, 2012,

Lisa Johnson, “Believe It or Not, This Is a Secular Society,” Planet S, May 31, 2012,


Talk Radio Interviews of Ashu M. G. Solo about Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a list of my talk radio interviews as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo on Arlene Bynon show with host Arlene Bynon, Talk Radio AM640, Apr. 23, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo on John Gormley Live with host John Gormley, News Talk 650 CKOM, Apr. 24, 2012,
This segment was rebroadcast on the Victoria Day holiday on May 21, 2012.

Ashu M. G. Solo on Jim Richards Showgram with host Jim Richards, Newstalk 1010, Apr. 24, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo on Charles Adler show with host Charles Adler, Apr. 24, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo and Justin Trottier on The Roy Green Show with host Roy Green, Apr. 28, 2012,
Summary:  http://www.roygreenshow.com/2012/04/some-of-whats-on-todays-show-saturday-april-28.html

Ashu M. G. Solo on Jim Richards Showgram with host Jim Richards, Newstalk 1010, May 1, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo and Justin Trottier on The Roy Green Show with host Roy Green, May 6, 2012,
Summary:  http://www.roygreenshow.com/2012/05/heres-some-of-whats-on-todays-show-may-6.html


Radio News Interviews of Ashu M. G. Solo about Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a list of my radio news interviews as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Chris Mangatal for news on News Talk 650 CKOM, Apr. 23, 2012

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Edwin Dewaal for news on CJWW Radio, May 1, 2012


Talk Radio Interview Excerpts of Ashu M. G. Solo about Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a radio segment with excerpts of a talk radio interview on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo on Charles Adler show with host Charles Adler, Apr. 25, 2012,


PARTIAL List of Reprints of News Articles about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a PARTIAL list of reprints of news articles as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer.  Some of these articles are the same, but in different newspapers.  I list the same articles in different newspapers to show the extent of coverage on their religious discrimination and bigotry.

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer by Saskatoon councillor sparks complaint," Canada.com, Apr. 21, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Atheist Ashu Solo threatens human rights complaint after Saskatoon councillor’s dinner blessing," National Post, Apr. 21, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Prayer at city function prompts complaint," Times Colonist, Apr. 22, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer by Saskatoon councillor sparks complaint," The Vancouver Sun, Apr. 22, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer hard to swallow:  Atheist has blessing issue," The Province, Apr. 22, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer by city councillor sparks complaint to Sask. Human Rights Commission:  Citizen felt excluded by blessing," The Province, Apr. 22, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Christian prayer by city councillor sparks complaint to Sask. Human Rights Commission:  Citizen felt excluded by blessing," Calgary Herald, Apr. 23, 2012,

Chris Mangatal, “Local offended by prayer at Saskatoon municipal event,” PANow.com, Apr. 23, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Grad dinner prayer draws controversy," Canada.com, Apr. 23, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Grad dinner prayer draws controversy," The Province, Apr. 23, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Grad-dinner prayer draws controversy," Leader-Post, Apr. 24, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Volunteer who objected to prayer draws ire," Canada.com, Apr. 26, 2012,

Betty Ann Adam, "Volunteer who objected to prayer draws ire," The Province, Apr. 26, 2012,

"Civic functions must be secular," Editorial, The Province, Apr. 26, 2012,

Farzana Hassan, "A clash of religiosities," The Muslim Times, Apr. 26, 2012,

Farzana Hassan, "We need clarity about religion in public space," London Free Press, Apr. 28, 2012,

“Saskatoon prayer controversy heating up,” Yahoo News, Apr. 30, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” Huffington Post, May 1, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” MySask.com, May 1, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” Winnipeg Free Press, May 1, 2012,

The Canadian Press, “Atheist files complaint with Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission over prayer,” Brandon Sun, May 1, 2012,

News Talk Radio staff, “Man files human rights complaint over Saskatoon prayer controversy,” News Talk 980 CJME, May 2, 2012,

“Man files human rights complaint over Saskatoon prayer controversy,” PANow.com, May 2, 2012,


Other Radio Segments about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a list of other radio segments as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Barbara Kay on Charles Adler show with host Charles Adler, Apr. 23, 2012,

“Politics and Religion” on Blue Sky, CBC, May 1, 2012,

There were also numerous other short mentions of my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer on numerous radio segments.


Postcast Interview about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is the podcast interview as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo on The Legion of Reason with hosts Randy Tyson and Christine Shellska, Episode 19, May 25, 2012,


List of Blog Interviews about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a list of blog interviews as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Ian Cromwell, “Crommunist exclusive:  I interview Ashu Solo,” Crommunist Manifesto, May 17, 2012,

Ashu M. G. Solo interviewed by Ian Cromwell, “Full interview with Ashu Solo,” Crommunist Manifesto, May 17, 2012,


PARTIAL List of Blog Postings about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a PARTIAL list of blog postings as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

"So many religions so little time:  Atheist Solo stands against exclusively Christian prayers," The Crackpot Chronicle, Apr. 22, 2012,

Joe, "Atheists not appreciated in Saskatoon," Canadian Atheist, Apr. 23, 2012,

"Old news:  Judge orders school district to apologize to agnostics," One Minion's Opinion, May 2, 2012,

Ian Cromwell, “Taking them on Solo,” Crommunist Manifesto, May 17, 2012,


PARTIAL List of Letters to the Editor about Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is a PARTIAL list of letters to the editor as of May 31, 2012 on my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer:

Andrew Frank, “Respect Pluralism,” The StarPhoenix, Apr. 25, 2012,

Shannon Bendell, “Show maturity,” The StarPhoenix, Apr. 27, 2012,

Susan Mak, “Balanced approach,” The StarPhoenix, Apr. 27, 2012,

Colin Butler, “Mean spirit shown,” The StarPhoenix, Apr. 27, 2012,


Press Release on Ashu M. G. Solo’s Civil Rights Complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer

Following is the press release as of May 31, 2012 for my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer.  This is a media advisory, not media coverage:

“Media Advisory:  National Pro-Secular Organization Joins Call to Remove Saskatoon Government Prayers:  Centre for Inquiry Supports Human Rights Complaint if Necessary to Resolve Dispute,” Marketwire, Apr. 30, 2012,


Blog with Ashu M. G. Solo’s emails to Don Atchison, Randy Donauer, and City Council

Following is my blog as of May 31, 2012 for the public record with my emails to Don Atchison, Randy Donauer, and City Council, my civil rights complaint against Don Atchison, Donauer, and the City of Saskatoon, and my media coverage for this complaint against Don Atchison and Randy Donauer for abusing their government offices to try to impose their religious beliefs on others who don’t share them.  This is my blog for this civil rights complaint; this is not a publication:

Ashu M. G. Solo, “Religious Discrimination and Bigotry of Mayor Don Atchison and Councillor Randy Donauer in Saskatoon,”

Sincerely,

Ashu M. G. Solo