Former Sportsnet host Damian Goddard is filing a human rights complaint against Rogers Communications Inc., claiming he was fired for expressing his religious beliefs in a controversial series of tweets. A statement issued Thursday by Goddard’s lawyer described the broadcaster as “a lifelong Catholic” and said his termination was a violation of his freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
“Critics on Twitter were calling for his head because he expressed a commonly held opinion that they didn’t like,” lawyer William Gale said in the statement. “Rogers answered that call swiftly and publicly. By doing so, they cemented the impression that his Catholic beliefs are inappropriate and grounds for dismissal.”
Goddard was let go from a hosting job with Sportsnet in May after tweeting in support of hockey agent Todd Reynolds. Reynolds made waves after he called out New York Rangers player Sean Avery for filming a TV ad in support of gay marriage, describing the player’s position as “very sad” and “wrong.”
“I completely and wholeheartedly support Todd Reynolds and his support for the traditional and TRUE meaning of marriage,” Goddard tweeted the next day.
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