CLYDE – A proposed Citizen Code of Conduct bylaw aimed at addressing inappropriate public behaviour was met with skepticism when council got their first glimpse at the draft bylaw during a Public Policy and Priorities committee meeting on March 17.
The bylaw applies to all interactions between members of the public with village employees and elected officials such as harassment, hostile, or threatening behaviour. But Mayor Charis Aguirre had significant concerns saying it was overly restrictive and could infringe on fundamental rights.
“I think that is starting to border on saying what people can agree or disagree with and I’m not OK with that because that starts bordering into free speech and free thought, dictating what you can agree or disagree with.”
One of the most contentious aspects of the bylaw is its definition of “specified protests.” The draft defines such protests as expressions of objection or disapproval towards an idea or action related to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation by any means, including graphic, verbal, or written means.
It also prohibits these protests within 100 metres of entrances to village facilities or schools.
Aguirre took issue with the 100-metre buffer zone, calling it unrealistic for a small community like Clyde.
“We choose a number like this, and we’re essentially saying, ‘We don’t want to see you, we don’t want to hear you, we don’t want to know you’re protesting.’”
Coun. Donna Moore agreed.
“I can see for a city 100 metres makes sense,” adding that is the length of a football field.
Coun. Alex Strembesky said people have the right to protest on public land.
“You can’t stop people from protesting on public property."
Jaye Parrent, Clyde’s chief administrative officer, said she will take council’s concerns and amendments would be made to the bylaw before it returns to council for further discussion. Specified Protest will be removed and non-peaceful protest included. In addition, the sections on distance will be re-worked.
'It will likely be thoroughly discussed again before being considered of reading at the council meeting on April 14," said Parrent in an email after the meeting.
