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Fight Back! Tell the City of Calgary that you still believe in Free Expression
The Canadian Constitution Foundation is deeply troubled by the recent decision by Calgary City Council to pass a bylaw that restricts protests around city libraries and city recreation facilities, like community and fitness centres. The new bylaw only restricts certain types of protests, namely protests that express “objection or disapproval” towards ideas or actions related to “race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation”.
The bylaw prohibits protests of this nature on publicly accessible property within 100 meters of an entrance to a recreation facility or a library.
This bylaw is not content neutral. It only prohibits specific types of protests that the government disapproves of. The courts have been very clear that the right to freedom of expression is content neutral. The content of the expression, no matter how offensive, unpopular or disturbing cannot deprive it of it’s section 2(b) Charter protection.
It is not for the government to tell Canadians what they may or may not protest. This proposed bylaw and the $10,000 fine associated with it is unconstitutional and should never have been passed. We are making preparations to bring a Charter challenge.
Provide your story below and tell us how this bylaw may impact you. We may contact you further to build our case against the City of Calgary.
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