Canadian Politician Introduces Bill to Demarcate Areas in Which ‘Offensive Remarks’ are Illegal
(National Post) 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.
The “Keeping 2SLGBTQI+ Communities Safe Act,” tabled this week by the NDP’s Kristyn Wong-Tam, would allow the provincial government to map out “2SLGBTQI+ community safety zones” in which most forms of public dissent would become criminalized.
“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.”
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.
(Editor’s Note, it is already a crime in Canada to protest abortion clinics, including in some places coming within 500 feet of them, where first time offenses can result in a year in prison.)
In a Tuesday press conference featuring drag queens Scarlett BoBo and Crystal Quartz, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said the law was needed to curb a “dangerous upward trend” of “hate crimes” against drag performers.
Yesterday my colleagues @JILLSLASTWORD, @kernaghant, @LiseVaugeois, and I tabled the Protecting 2SLGBTQI+ Communities Act. Joined by @ItsScarlettBobo, and @CrystalQuartz86 and community advocates like @friendsofrubyca & @ChurchWellesley. https://t.co/SlnRWKNSNI #onpoli #TorCen pic.twitter.com/fmoX18BIec
— Kristyn Wong-Tam 🇨🇦 (@kristynwongtam) April 5, 2023
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Not surprising for a post-Christian nation. Expect worse to come.
That sword can cut both ways. I’d like to see if churches could have that ordinance passed on their behalf as well.
But something is always offensive to someone. I guess trudeau is canceling conversations now
“homophobia” ??
“transphobia” ??
No, I fear the Lord God Almighty.