Hamilton judge's apology for wearing Trump hat in court isn't enough, councillor says

A Hamilton city councillor says it's important that the judge who wore a Donald Trump hat in the courtroom has apologized, but he wants to see a judicial conduct review into the actions of Bernd Zabel.

Matthew Green says Zabel's apology in Hamilton court Tuesday is an "important first step." But it doesn't excuse Zabel from aninvestigation into hisactions.

I can't apologize and get out of a parking ticket.- Matthew Green, Hamilton city councillor

"His apology does not give him impunity from the remainder of the process," said Green, who spoke out against the judge's behaviourlast week.

Zabel wore a "Make America Great Again"hat into the courtroom the day after the U.S. election.He walked wearing it, then removed it and placed it on the bench in front of him, the Globe and Mail reported. Then he returned with it after the morning break.

• Law professor wants Ontario judge disciplined for reportedly wearing Trump hat

Ontariorules of judicial conductsay judges "should not be influenced by partisan interests, public pressure or fear of criticism. Judges should maintain their objectivity and shall not, by words or conduct, manifest favour, bias or prejudice towards any party or interest."

That led Gus VanHarten, anOsgoodeHall law professor, tofile a formal complaintto the Ontario Judicial Council.

"I am very surprised and disappointed that JusticeZabelwould bring the court into disrepute so frivolously and in so blatantly a partisan way," VanHartenwrote in his complaint.

He also asked for the judge to remove himself from cases involving women, Mexicans, Muslims and persons with disabilities all groups who were verbally targeted by Trump during the U.S. presidential election.

The Women's Legal Education and Action Fundalso filed a complaint, as well as two other groups.

Zabel made a statement in court Tuesday.

"What I did was wrong," the Hamilton Spectator quotes Zabel as saying. "I wish to apologize for my misguided attempt to mark a moment in history by humour in the courtroom following the surprising result in the United States election."

But Green said that's not good enough.

"I can't apologize and get out of a parking ticket," he said.

"I'm glad that he's confirmed that this indeed happened. I don't buy that this was a joke. If it was, that raises other questions."

• Women's legal fund files complaint about Hamilton judge in Trump hat