It’s time to prosecute online bullies

Just because someone is in the public eye doesn’t give a coward with a keyboard the right to threaten them and their family in the name of free speech.

The latest instance of gutless and cowardly online threats came up this week after PC MLAs Cory Deagle and Natalie Jameson spoke out about disgusting comments they received for their support of Deagle’s private member’s bill putting age restrictions on vaping and tobacco products.

On Wednesday, Deagle posted some of the hateful comments on his Facebook page.

As Deagle says in the Facebook post, he believes in democracy and free speech, “but threatening my life with a vicious beating and hoping I get cancer (crosses) the line.”

Jameson has also received threatening online comments for her support of the bill.

It’s fair to ask what these online haters think their comments and threats are going to accomplish? Do they think that they’re going to stop this bill from becoming law? Do they think this will scare politicians from supporting the bill? Well, think again. After all, the bill was supported unanimously in the legislative assembly. People don’t scare easily and we live in a culture that supports standing up to bullies.

We’ve seen other examples of this cowardly behaviour recently. In May, Becka Viau, a prochoice activist, received threatening phone calls and notes at her home for circulating an online petition calling for then-Liberal interim leader Robert Mitchell to resign for attending a prolife rally. And, last year, MLA Hannah Bell had a threatening note left on her car.

Police need to step up and send the message that this behaviour won’t be tolerated. It is no different than if someone hurled threatening comments to someone on the street. These instances need to be investigated, and if warranted, prosecuted with real consequences.

This hateful conduct needs to be taken seriously because the haters don’t always stop at comments. Sadly, there have been instances when threats have turned into actual violence.

We live in a democracy. We’re allowed to have different points of view and debate issues. But we have to do it in a civil and legal manner.

There is no place for gutless cowards who hide behind a computer screen and believe they can spew vulgar threats in the name of free speech.

We need to protect our public officials and create an environment that doesn’t deter talented members of our society from entering public life.

And that starts with action. The police have the power and authority to do something. We know who these cowards are, now let’s hold them accountable.