Cory Morgan: The Importance of Protecting the Right to Protest while Respecting the Rights of Others
Commentary
With the removal of pro-Palestine encampments from Canadian universities, it is crucial for lawmakers to engage in a dialogue about defining legitimate forms of protest. The right to protest is essential for freedom but requires clear legislative guidelines to prevent conflicts and maintain order.
While protests are generally accepted by the public, the line is crossed when protests evolve into occupations, necessitating state intervention. This trend gained momentum in 2011 with the “Occupy Wall Street” movement, where tent encampments led to chaos and required police intervention.
In 2020, the occupation of a six-block area in Seattle during protests for George Floyd’s killing resulted in shootings and lawlessness before police restored order.
The truckers’ Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa in 2022 led to government intervention under the Emergencies Act due to encampments and border blockades. Clear regulations on protests occupying public spaces could prevent such situations.
Protesters’ behavior and the duration of protests are critical factors to consider. Targeting specific communities based on ethnicity or faith should not be tolerated. Legislation is needed to enforce boundaries on protests to maintain societal values and prevent hate-based actions.
An all-party committee should establish regulations on protests in Canada to avoid prolonged occupations and potential violence during evictions. Crafting unbiased legislation with legal and constitutional experts’ input is essential to address these complex issues.
Current protest laws lack comprehensive regulation and leave authorities reactive. Establishing clear legislation would allow for proactive measures to prevent escalations and maintain public safety during protests.
Regulating fundamental rights is challenging, but defining rights and obligations can balance protest freedoms with societal constraints. Without solid legislation, more occupations and confrontations are likely to occur.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
