Bubble Zone by-laws are Hazardous to Freedom
by Beau Duquesnay
The controversial and oppressive By-law CC30.5 was adopted by Toronto’s City Council in a vote of 16-9. City councilors seemed oblivious to the fact that a majority of public opinion is opposed to the measure, according to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Shamefully, the 'progressive' mayor, Olivia Chow, went along with the bubble proponents. The new By-law will go into effect on July 2, 2025 despite its unpopularity.
The by-law will affect each and every individual and organization’s rights to protest and to exercise freedom of speech. The By-law would allow police to fine individuals up to $5,000 for protesting within 50 meters of the dozens of designated ‘Bubble Zones’. There are already by-laws in place that prevent people from wearing a mask at a rally or march, and laws exist to bar anti-Semitic actions. The no-go zones for protests include schools, daycare centers, churches, libraries and hospitals, if the managers of such institutions so desire. The application for buffer zone status can be submitted by the property owner and would be in effect for one year upon approval, with the ability to renew it annually.
During Toronto Police Service Board meetings protesters against the genocide in Gaza were labelled as Hamas supporters, violent and anti-Semitic. The weaponization and politicization of these issues lead down a slippery slope. Often such legislation is abused by using misdemeanor charges -- as a political deterrent. Prominent journalist Desmond Cole was arrested for protesting while wearing a mask. The punishment for political speech is often unfair, severe and amounts to the social assassination of freedoms.
The right to protest is one of the most important elements of civic life. Think about taking away Martin Luther King’s right to protest. Remember how the police arrested so many participants during the G20 protests in Toronto. Remember that the rights of unions to organize and to strike, women's right to choice, and many forms of environmental protection all sprang from protest movements. Soon you may begin to see how this new legislation, which is being implemented in a variety of cities and is contemplated by provincial and federal governments, can be abused and weaponized by people in power, including politicians and police. Don’t let your rights fall to the wayside. It is urgent that the working class and allies need to resist this kind of law at all costs to defend the rights of individuals and grass roots organizations.