Toronto councillors passed a controversial motion to restrict protests around places of worship, schools and daycares.
The 鈥渂ubble zone鈥� bylaw was approved 16-9 after a lengthy council meeting Thursday afternoon.
Critics say the bylaw, which will go into effect on July 2, is unnecessary and restricts the rights to peaceful gatherings.
Speaking during the council meeting, Coun. Alejandra Bravo said protests are a 鈥渦seful and important鈥� form of a free speech that needs to be protected, and that the move to restrict them could trigger challenges to Charter rights in court.
Supporters of the motion, however, argue it provides the tool the city needs to support vulnerable communities.
Coun. Lily Cheng says the 鈥渂oundary鈥� created by the bylaw aims 鈥渢o protect people, especially vulnerable people, at their most sacred and personal moments鈥� and that the goal is not to 鈥渟ilence opinion.鈥�
The bylaw allows schools, childcare centres and places of worship to request the city restrict protest within a 50-metre radius around the property.
It has the backing of some faith leaders who have supported the bubble zone idea as a way to ensure worshippers can gather without intimidation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025.
The Canadian Press
