Bill calls for ban on anti-vax protests at schools, hospitals

The Quebec government plans to introduce a bill on Thursday banning anti-vaccine protests near schools and hospitals, and Premier François Legault says he wants it adopted within a day.

With the province's three main opposition parties open to passing the bill, its rapid adoption will require the support of the remaining party in the legislature — the Conservatives — and its sole member. But Claire Samson says she wants to see what's in it first.

“We'll wait to read what the government comes up with,” Samson said Wednesday. “If it's a special law, how far will it go? Are we going to stop nurses from doing sit-ins outside hospitals?”

Earlier in the day, Legault said the bill would include fines for people who “are going to hold anti-vaccine protests” close to schools and hospitals.

“It doesn't make sense to have anti-vaccine protests in front of places that are for our children or our patients,” Legault said during question period.

The Quebec Liberal Party has said it supports a ban on anti-vaccine protests within 50 metres of schools.

“Today, I have one message to anti-vaxxers: leave our children alone,” Liberal Leader Dominique Anglade told reporters Wednesday.

Since classes resumed last month, at least five protests have taken place outside primary and secondary schools in Montreal. Protests have also occurred outside hospitals.

Gabriel Nadeau-dubois, the spokesperson for Québec solidaire, said he supports the proposed legislation but doesn't want it to ban other types of protests outside schools, such as demonstrations by parents who support public education.

Heidi Yetman, president of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers, said she would not be opposed to a law limiting anti-vaccine protests in front of schools.

“I think it's really important that we do not take away the rights of protesters voicing their opinions,” Yetman, whose association represents teachers at English language schools, said in an interview Wednesday.

“But at the same time, these anti-vaxxers who are protesting in front of hospitals and schools, to me that's very dangerous. Let's keep them away from the buildings where children have to have access, patients need access.”