Toronto Vegetarian Association: Difference between revisions
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The Toronto Vegetarian Association's [[Annual Vegetarian Food Fair]] is the largest event of its kind in [[North America]]. Held each September, the Annual Vegetarian Food Fair offers visitors the opportunity to learn about vegetarian issues and to sample vegetarian foods from diverse cuisines. |
The Toronto Vegetarian Association's [[Annual Vegetarian Food Fair]] is the largest event of its kind in [[North America]]. Held each September, the Annual Vegetarian Food Fair offers visitors the opportunity to learn about vegetarian issues and to sample vegetarian foods from diverse cuisines. |
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In August, 2010 the TVA denied rental of booth space at their Annual Vegetarian Food Fair to a Seventh Day Adventist Group based on anti-homosexual teachings of the church in compliance with their Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Policy. |
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Here’s the text of the TVA letter: |
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Dear Maria, |
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(cc Fraser Gibson, President, Toronto Vegetarian Association) |
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This is to confirm the details of the decision by the Toronto |
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Vegetarian Association to decline the application of the Health |
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Ministry, Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for a booth at the 2010 Annual Vegetarian Food Fair. |
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First, we wish to clarify that we recognize and value the work done by the Adventist community to promote healthy vegetarian living. We also want to stress that our objection is not to those who have tabled at the Vegetarian Food Fair in the past. We have every reason to believe that those present at the fair on behalf of the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have provided helpful information and shown respect for all members of the public. |
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Yet despite our respect for this work, the Toronto Vegetarian |
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Association must take issue with the public statements of the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists regarding homosexuality. It has been brought to our attention that the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists is “opposed to homosexual practices and relationships, ” and that the Church views homosexuality as “a manifestation of the disorder and brokenness in human inclinations and relations caused by sin coming into the world.” |
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http://adventist. org/beliefs/ statements/ main-stat46html |
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http://adventist. org/beliefs/ statements/ main-stat53html |
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As noted in the Toronto Vegetarian Association Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Policy, TVA acknowledges its responsibility to provide an environment and services that are free of racism, sexism, discrimination and bias, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. In order to provide a positive space for all visitors to our events, the Toronto Vegetarian Association reserves the right to deny participation by groups or individuals known to be in contravention with the aforementioned policy from our activities. |
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Concerns have been raised with us that the presence of an organization with anti-gay views is troubling to those who have faced discrimination and been made to feel ashamed on the basis of their sexual orientation. Our decision is to provide a positive space for all visitors by excluding those that make public statements against homosexuality. In this case, we must decline the application of the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church . The same decision would be made regarding any business, organization or guest speaker that was found to have made public comments so at odds with our values as to hinder our efforts to provide a positive space for members of our community. |
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As indicated above, at issue is not the conduct of the individuals who have participated at the Food Fair in previous years, but with public statements made on behalf of the organization under which you have applied. Should you wish to register for space to promote healthy eating as individuals or through organizations that do not condemn homosexuality, we would welcome that application. |
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Alternatively, if the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church can provide evidence that it does not endorse the positions relating to homosexuality cited above, we would be happy to reconsider our decision. |
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Best regards, |
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David Alexander – Executive Director |
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Toronto Vegetarian Association |
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It's interesting to note that their policy states as it's aim "to provide an environment and services that are free of racism, sexism, discrimination and bias, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity" but it's own board of directors and staff are partially comprised of individuals who still consume animal products (eggs and/or dairy and/or honey) as per another of their policies permitting such. It would seem that their apparent concern over whether "all individuals are treated with respect and dignity" does not fully extend to the non-human animal world given the incredible cruelty inherent in the egg, dairy, and honey industries. Apparently, the Toronto Vegetarian Association prefers to pick and choose how it implements it's policies in regards to others, rather than ensure across the board (pun intended) compliance within it's own organization itself. |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Revision as of 03:03, 20 August 2010
The Toronto Vegetarian Association (TVA) is a volunteer-driven, charitable organization based in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1945, its mission is "to inspire people to choose a healthier, greener, more peaceful lifestyle."
As Canada's largest and oldest vegetarian organization, the Toronto Vegetarian Association aims to educate people about the benefits of a vegetarian diet, supporting those who wish to eliminate their consumption of animal products and celebrating the diversity of vegetarian and vegan food and culture.
In addition to its Annual Vegetarian Food Fair[1], the Toronto Vegetarian Association operates a number of other projects aimed at fulfilling its mission. The organization provides information through its website[2], a bi-monthly newsletter, and a resource centre, which offers reference books, cookbooks, magazines, DVDs and videos. The organization also conducts campaigns such as the Veggie Challenge[3], which challenges non-vegetarians to adopt a vegetarian/vegan diet for one week. The Toronto Vegetarian Association offers support to vegetarians in Toronto through social groups and a free print directory which offers listings of vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, stores and cooking classes.
The Toronto Vegetarian Association's Annual Vegetarian Food Fair is the largest event of its kind in North America. Held each September, the Annual Vegetarian Food Fair offers visitors the opportunity to learn about vegetarian issues and to sample vegetarian foods from diverse cuisines.
In August, 2010 the TVA denied rental of booth space at their Annual Vegetarian Food Fair to a Seventh Day Adventist Group based on anti-homosexual teachings of the church in compliance with their Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Policy.
Here’s the text of the TVA letter:
Dear Maria, (cc Fraser Gibson, President, Toronto Vegetarian Association)
This is to confirm the details of the decision by the Toronto Vegetarian Association to decline the application of the Health Ministry, Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for a booth at the 2010 Annual Vegetarian Food Fair.
First, we wish to clarify that we recognize and value the work done by the Adventist community to promote healthy vegetarian living. We also want to stress that our objection is not to those who have tabled at the Vegetarian Food Fair in the past. We have every reason to believe that those present at the fair on behalf of the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have provided helpful information and shown respect for all members of the public.
Yet despite our respect for this work, the Toronto Vegetarian Association must take issue with the public statements of the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists regarding homosexuality. It has been brought to our attention that the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists is “opposed to homosexual practices and relationships, ” and that the Church views homosexuality as “a manifestation of the disorder and brokenness in human inclinations and relations caused by sin coming into the world.”
http://adventist. org/beliefs/ statements/ main-stat46html
http://adventist. org/beliefs/ statements/ main-stat53html
As noted in the Toronto Vegetarian Association Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Policy, TVA acknowledges its responsibility to provide an environment and services that are free of racism, sexism, discrimination and bias, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. In order to provide a positive space for all visitors to our events, the Toronto Vegetarian Association reserves the right to deny participation by groups or individuals known to be in contravention with the aforementioned policy from our activities.
Concerns have been raised with us that the presence of an organization with anti-gay views is troubling to those who have faced discrimination and been made to feel ashamed on the basis of their sexual orientation. Our decision is to provide a positive space for all visitors by excluding those that make public statements against homosexuality. In this case, we must decline the application of the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church . The same decision would be made regarding any business, organization or guest speaker that was found to have made public comments so at odds with our values as to hinder our efforts to provide a positive space for members of our community.
As indicated above, at issue is not the conduct of the individuals who have participated at the Food Fair in previous years, but with public statements made on behalf of the organization under which you have applied. Should you wish to register for space to promote healthy eating as individuals or through organizations that do not condemn homosexuality, we would welcome that application.
Alternatively, if the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church can provide evidence that it does not endorse the positions relating to homosexuality cited above, we would be happy to reconsider our decision.
Best regards,
David Alexander – Executive Director Toronto Vegetarian Association
It's interesting to note that their policy states as it's aim "to provide an environment and services that are free of racism, sexism, discrimination and bias, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity" but it's own board of directors and staff are partially comprised of individuals who still consume animal products (eggs and/or dairy and/or honey) as per another of their policies permitting such. It would seem that their apparent concern over whether "all individuals are treated with respect and dignity" does not fully extend to the non-human animal world given the incredible cruelty inherent in the egg, dairy, and honey industries. Apparently, the Toronto Vegetarian Association prefers to pick and choose how it implements it's policies in regards to others, rather than ensure across the board (pun intended) compliance within it's own organization itself.