The bill comes amid an uptick in protests targeting drag events, particularly those that are marketed specifically for children
An Ontario MPP is proposing to demarcate whole areas of Canadian cities in which it would become a crime to make “offensive remarks” against the queer community.
“Offensive remarks,” would be banned, even if in writing. So would distribution of literature, as well as any gathering deemed to be “furthering the objectives of homophobia and transphobia.” Any contravention could net fines of up to $25,000, and a conviction under the section of the Criminal Code covering the causing of a “disturbance in or near a public place.”
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Although the bill says the zones would exist for a “specified period of time,” there is no time limit placed on their existence. The zones would consist of a specific address as well as a 100-metre buffer zone on all sides. Depending on the size of the venue, this could represent an area equivalent to several acres.
The bill comes amid an uptick in protests and activism targeting drag events and activities, particularly those that are marketed specifically for children.
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The bill was tabled in a Legislative Assembly dominated by the majority government of Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford. As such, it is unlikely to go anywhere.
However, the Ontario bill is the second time in just the last few weeks that a Canadian politician has proposed to ban protest around drag events.
As to what a “specified protest entailed,” the draft bylaw defines it as “objection or disapproval towards an idea or action 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.”
