The B.C. government is moving to prevent protest activity outside religious institutions and extend rules introduced in 2024 that limits demonstrations near school properties.
Premier David Eby said there have been recent “disturbing incidents” illustrating the need for more stringent restrictions on the right to protest. He referenced multiple incidents over the past week in which shots were fired at synagogues in Ontario and said the government had heard concerns from an array of religious groups in B.C.
“We need to make sure that people are able to attend their place of worship and feel comfortable doing so and feel protected in doing so,” he said.
B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma introduced two pieces of legislation on Monday (March 9) that would make the changes official, if passed.
The laws both prohibit protesters from impeding access, being disruptive, engaging in interference or intimidating people within 20 metres of a school or religious institution.
Police are authorized to “curb” the activity by arresting an offending person without a warrant, or by issuing a ticket.
Sharma said the idea is for the law to act as a “deterrent.”
“Having those legal protections in place gives the authorities better tools to control behaviour on the ground,” Sharma said.
Religious institutions must post a sign identifying the building as a place of worship. Sharma said this is necessary because they are not always well-marked.
Both laws have sunset clauses, as did the original 2024 law prohibiting certain protests near schools. Bill 12, the Safe Access to Schools Amendment Act, would extend the protest prohibitions at schools until 2028, and Bill 13, the Safe Access to Places of Public Worship Act, would be effective until 2030.
Eby said peaceful protest is an “important right that is protected,” but “harassment and intimidation” of teachers, students and worshippers “cross the line.”