Cancelled speech by Peace by Chocolate founder sparks resignation by legal group’s incoming president [Video]

The incoming president of one of Canada’s most high-profile legal organizations has resigned amid an “existential crisis” at The Advocates’ Society over its decision to cancel a Syrian Canadian entrepreneur and peace advocate’s upcoming speech, after some members raised concerns over his views on Gaza. 

Sheree Conlon was set to step into the role of president at the organization’s upcoming end-of-term event in Toronto this June. Instead, on Saturday, she stepped down from the executive and board of directors after it cancelled Peace by Chocolate founder Tareq Hadhad’s invitation to deliver the keynote speech at the event.

The resignation comes one day after TAS apologized for its handling of the decision, which prompted sharp criticism from its members, with several cancelling their memberships as a result. The organization did not say if it would consider reversing course.

“I have never agreed that TAS should have responded by cancelling Mr. Hadhad’s …