Cory Morgan: The Right to Protest Is Fundamental, but Others’ Rights Must Also Be Respected

Commentary As the last pro-Palestine encampments are being removed from universities in Canada, it’s time for lawmakers to have a discussion about what constitutes a legitimate form of protest and what doesn’t. The right to protest is fundamental and must be protected for the sake of freedom. It isn’t an absolute right, however, and we need legislative guidelines to offer clarity for both protesters and governments to avoid conflicts and damage caused by protests that cross the line. Protests are typically accepted by the public, even if they may cause inconvenience and represent causes with limited support. But when protests become occupations, problems begin and state intervention eventually becomes necessary....