BRAMPTON, Canada (Diya TV) — Several cities in Ontario are deciding to ban protests near places of worship following violent clashes outside Hindu temples, where escalating tensions have raised concerns about public safety. Brampton and Vaughan are among the municipalities taking action to prevent further unrest, particularly after incidents involving confrontations between Sikh separatists and Hindu groups.
The recent spate of violence outside the city’s Hindu temples has prompted city officials to seek measures to balance protesters’ rights against the need to protect vulnerable institutions. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown says he intends to ask the city council to approve a bylaw that would ban protests near places of worship following a violent protest outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Khalistani separatists organized the rally and conflict led to the arrests of three protesters. The following day, anti-protesters protested outside the temple. Tensions were high, and police said weapons were visible in the crowd.
Vaughan is a city just north of Toronto, which has already passed similar legislation. In June, it was one of the first municipalities in the country to adopt a bylaw that prohibits rallies within 100 meters of any place of worship, school or hospital. Introduced in June after protests outside synagogues earlier this year raised alarm over public safety and the potential for violence, the bylaw passed unanimously. Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca said the legislation does not restrict peaceful demonstrations but does prohibit getting to a protest near certain places of worship in a way that is disruptive or intimidating.
Other places, too, are looking into it. City councilors in Ottawa recently voted in favor of adopting a bylaw that will limit protests near religious institutions and schools. The motion comes during a period the city has witnessed tension mounting as people protest near various places of worship, including Jewish and Sikh worship places. Allan Hubley is one of the councilors pushing for the legislation, arguing the need to regulate protests in public areas without deterring people from holding lawful demonstrations.
Their proponents argue it will prevent violence and ensure public safety. Critics, however, have argued over how such bylaws may infringe on free speech. According to James Turk, director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, such regulations are likely not necessary given existing laws which already prohibit or incite violence. He cautioned new regulation may actually limit lawful protests and restrict free expression.
The challenge ahead for cities across Ontario debating these measures will be to find a balance between public safety and freedom of speech that honors the rights of all citizens while preventing further violence.
