Vaughan Mayor Proposes Bylaw Prohibiting Protests Near Places of Worship, Schools, Hospitals

The mayor of Vaughan, Ont., is proposing a bylaw that would prohibit “unpeaceful” protests within 100 metres of places of worship, schools, child-care facilities, and hospitals. The measure comes in response to protests targeting Jewish communities in recent months. If passed by city council, the bylaw seeks to protect the facilities from protests and demonstrations that “intimidate, incite hatred, violence, or discrimination,” Mayor Steven Del Duca said in a March 18 social media post. Anyone who violates the bylaw could be fined up to $100,000, he said. He said the “large, ugly protests” that have taken place near synagogues, schools, and child care centres in the city were the inspiration for the proposed bylaw. He referenced the anti-Semitic vandalism at Chabad House of Maple and the bomb threat at the Jaffari Community Centre and Mosque....