Denley: Proposed Ottawa bylaw to limit protest sites is both fair and overdue

Surely protesters can make their points without getting in people’s faces or intimidating them.

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Ottawa’s proposal to limit where demonstrations take place is fair, appropriate and overdue. Demonstrators do have a right to express their opinions publicly, but that shouldn’t extend to interfering with the lives of people going about their daily business.

Wednesday, councillors will be asked to approve a staff study of a bylaw to limit demonstrations near places of worship, community centres and other public places, including schools, hospitals and long-term care homes.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

It’s unfortunate that such restrictions are necessary, but the goal is to prevent demonstrations from becoming confrontations. For example, last year five people were arrested after an anti-trans demonstration was held near two Ottawa high schools. The war in the Middle East has also........

© Ottawa Citizen