Quebec Superior Judge France Charbonneau ruled last week Theodore Antonopoulos of Montreal's Pierrefonds borough violated municipal streetscape restrictions by painting blue and white stripes on his garage door, The Gazette reported Monday.
"A municipality has the authority to set uniform standards within its jurisdiction and for the buildings within it," Charbonneau wrote in supporting a lower court's ruling.
"It's a shock to me. I haven't been informed, and the flag is still there," he told the Montreal newspaper Sunday. "I will speak to my lawyer and see if there are grounds for an appeal. None of the neighbors have complained to me about it. None at all."
Antonopoulos painted the flag in 2004 to celebrate Greece's victory over Portugal in the European Soccer championship that year. That soon drew a $138 ticket, triggering his legal journey.
While a lower court judge called it "visual pollution" that was "not harmonious with the neighborhood," Antonopoulos's attorney counters the municipal ordinance violates the freedom of expression guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Human Rights.
|
Rate:
|
![]() |
Leave a Comment
|
![]() |
Email to a Friend
|
![]() |
Print Story
|
Post a comment