Bubble-zone infringes on free speech laws

Everyone loses with Alberta’s new “bubble-zone” legislation. The freedoms of speech and expression are fundamental freedoms guaranteed by our Charter of Rights and Freedoms — except when they’re not. It is now illegal to protest abortion within 50 metres from abortion clinics.

Proponents of the new law justify this infringement on freedom by citing cases of harassment. We already have laws in Canada prohibiting criminal harassment. One would expect proponents of the bubble-zone law to cite many instances of criminal charges being laid against protesters. However, this hasn’t been the case. Perhaps there aren’t any cases to cite? If actual criminal behaviour is occurring, we already have laws in place to deal with that, namely the Criminal Code.

Abortion is a contentious issue in Canada. Yet one side of this issue is now partially censored in Alberta. This doesn’t sound like a free country. Sadly, this law is simply one of many assaults on the freedoms of Canadians by governments of all levels.

The ultimate losers in this regrettable law are the most vulnerable of all: the pre-born children who cannot speak for themselves.

The Protecting Choice for Women Accessing Health Care Act is not about health care and it’s not about access. It’s about censorship and has no place in a free society.

Jonathan Van Schepen, Devon