Every person in Canada, not just hockey players, has the right to privacy unless they've been actually charged with the crime. We don't publish names of accused individuals unless the accusations lead to charges. That shouldn't change.
Publication bans are usually used for victim names (in this case, we should never have the right to know the woman's name), or in some cases, minors charged with crimes (which wouldn't apply here).
If the players are charged, we'll know their names. If they're not, we won't, and we shouldn't demand to.
This is incorrect. For one, often times publication bans cover the accused as well because theur name would reveal the victim's identity.
You see this in cases with names such as R v X.Y.
Recently there was an ottawa case wherein two brothers waived their publication ban so that their mother would not be shielded by it as well (convicted of incest).
This right to privacy you speak of does not cover our current circumstances. I don't really know who you think this right applies to, or how it is enforced.
For example, if I was in the hotel that night and knew the 8 players, would I be bound not to name them? If so, and I did anyway, who would punish me and in what way? Is it different if I put it on Twitter or talk about it at work?
There is not some ethereal right not to be named as a potential gang rapist anywhere in the Charter. Bizarre interpretation of the right to privacy.
