Comedy And Satire: Human Rights Considerations In The Writing Room

While all companies have an obligation to prevent against workplace harassment and discrimination, those in the entertainment industry face a particular challenge. In some cases, the nature of the conversations and circumstances that workers may be engaged in could, in other work environments, be considered offensive or objectionable. As the cases discussed below illustrate, the unique context of the entertainment industry may be a relevant consideration in determining if workplace conduct in this type of environment does, in fact, violate human rights or occupational health and safety legislation.

In Canada, provincial human rights legislation prohibits conduct that discriminates against people based on a protected ground in a protected social area. Both human rights and health and safety legislation include prohibitions against harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace. Companies operating in the entertainment industry should consider what constitutes