Supporters of the recently enacted bubble zone by-law in Toronto argue that the law is necessary to protect individuals, who are entering and leaving places such as synagogues and religious schools, from harassment and intimidation by protestors. While very little was said in these debates about the protection of “captive audiences” from speech they find objectionable, this concern is, I think, implicit in the claim that the speech of protestors, and more particularly pro-Palestinian protestors, is harmful.
In a letter today to Toronto’s Mayor and City Council, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Centre for Free Expression urged rejection of the proposed by-law to create protest free zones around places of worship, schools, and child care centres.
