Toronto City Council has approved a contentious new bylaw that will restrict protests near schools, daycares, and places of worship. The decision, made on Thursday, passed with a vote of 16-9 after extensive debate among council members. The bylaw is set to take effect on July 2, 2024.

Under the new regulations, institutions can request a 50-metre buffer zone around their properties, prohibiting demonstrations. This is an increase from the initial proposal of a 20-metre zone. The city estimates that approximately 3,000 buildings could qualify for these zones. The buffer zones will be granted for a duration of one year, double the time originally suggested by city staff.

Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, a supporter of the bylaw, stated, "This bylaw is a step toward a safer city where all Torontonians can access critical social infrastructure. This bylaw protects all of us." Proponents argue that the measure is necessary to ensure that individuals can access places of worship and education without facing intimidation or harassment.

The bylaw comes in response to a rise in protests, particularly those related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Other Canadian cities, including Calgary and Brampton, have enacted similar regulations, while Ottawa is considering its own version. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also indicated plans for legislation that would criminalize the obstruction of access to schools and places of worship.

Critics of the bylaw, including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and CUPE Local 79, argue that it infringes on freedom of expression and the right to protest. James Turk, director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, described the bylaw as "absolutely terrible," suggesting it could be deemed unconstitutional in a court challenge. He emphasized, "It’s very restrictive and attempts to exclude speech that is central in a democratic society."

Despite the backlash, religious leaders have expressed support for the bylaw. Josh Landau, director of government relations for Ontario at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, called it a "meaningful step" in safeguarding vulnerable community members. He noted, "There is broad support for safe access zones from diverse religious and ethnocultural leaders who recognize that freedom of expression does not include a right to intimidate, bully, and harass communities."

The bylaw stipulates that protesters are prohibited from performing any acts of discouragement within the designated buffer zones. The city will create these zones upon receiving requests from facility owners, who must attest that protests have previously interfered with access to their properties. Bylaw enforcement officers will first educate protesters about the regulations before issuing fines, which can reach up to $5,000 for violations.

The history of bubble-zone regulations in Canada dates back to 1995, when British Columbia enacted the first law prohibiting protests around abortion clinics. As Toronto implements this new bylaw, the implications for free speech and public assembly continue to be hotly debated.