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B.C. Government to Restrict Protests at Places of Worship
The legislation bans harassment and obstruction within 20 metres of schools and places of worship to protect students and religious communities, Premier David Eby said.
- On March 9, 2026 the province announced legislation to expand 20-metre protection zones around schools and places of worship, including churches and mosques.
- Responding to a pattern of harassment, the government cited recent protests against SOGI 123, vaccine-related protests near schools, and violent incidents like shots fired at synagogues in Ontario.
- The May 2024 Safe Schools Act established 20-metre access zones with signage, allowing police to arrest or ticket those blocking access or disrupting activities during school hours.
- Eby said on Monday that students, educators and people attending faith services will be able to go to those spaces knowing they remain safe and respectful, while freedom of speech and peaceful protest remain protected.
- The Safe Schools Act will be extended to 2028, preserving 20-metre rules, and the provincial government said British Columbia uniquely acts grounded in provincial values of respect, inclusion and belonging.
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B.C. government looks to extend protest ban to places of worship as civil liberties groups raise concerns
If passed, the new legislation would allow places of worship to post signs establishing an access zone within 20 metres of their property line, within which actions that block access, disrupt, or "could reasonably be expected to cause concern for a person's mental or physical safety" are not allowed.
·Canada
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The Toronto Star+18 Reposted by 18 other sources
B.C. to bring in safety zones, ban harassment around sites of worship
VICTORIA - The British Columbia government is bringing in legislation to prevent intimidation, harassment and obstruction of people from going to their temples, churches and other places of worship.
·Toronto, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left18Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Left
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Left
86% Left
L 86%
14%
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