Toronto: Banning protests you don't like is not the answer

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Pro- and anti- Palestine demonstrators square off at Toronto's annual Al-Quds protest on June 24, 2017. Photo: Kevin Metcalf

CJFE is deeply concerned by an administrative inquiry being conducted by Toronto Ward 10 Councillor James Pasternak. According to a report from CTV, Pasternak has asked the deputy city manager to assess the feasibility of banning ‘hate-sponsored’ rallies from city property. Some proposed remedies include the power to issue trespass orders, fine for extra police services or possibly to freeze bank accounts. Pasternak’s inquiry will be presented to the city’s executive committee before it is debated.

Pasternak acknowledges that the Supreme Court of Canada has set limits on speech through Section 1 of the Charter. He also acknowledges limitations established on speech subject to section 319 of the Canadian Criminal Code. Despite this, he suggests that the city should have more authority to set further limits. Pasternak did not provide a definition of ‘hate-sponsored’ events but his CTV interview implies he would seek to “prohibit rallies that are inciting hatred or violence.”

CJFE staff have attended far-right rallies in Toronto since they became commonplace in February 2017, in order to provide the public with information about these events, but also to understand the context in which the rallies are taking place and to provide support for people engaged in free expression. While CJFE unequivocally supports the free expression rights of all groups, we have frequently been outspoken in opposition to hateful ideals and individuals.

Post by canadacjfe.

Video: CJFE staff were in attendance at a recent October 21 far-right 'anti-Trudeau' rally in Nathan Phillips Square.

CJFE categorically opposes the suggestion that the city of Toronto should use legislative means to prevent rallies from taking place on city property. We are also concerned that Pasternak’s definition of ‘inciting hatred and violence’ may be intended for a far broader application than demonstrations by far-right groups. Pasternak was nominated for Torontoist’s 2012 ‘Villains’ award for his role in blocking the protest group ‘Queers Against Israeli Apartheid’ from marching in Toronto Pride, and has equated peaceful civil society advocacy with the promotion of hatred. Human rights advocacy in diaspora communities is a growing target for censorship, and this suppression is frequently justified by those who deliberately blur the line between criticism of the state of Israel and hate for Jewish people.

A responsible role for the city of Toronto in countering hate would be to invite the public to challenge hateful ideas rather than exploring the application of force of law to legislate them away. In mid-August, the mayor of London, Ontario, followed this course by calling on Londoners to ‘stand up against hate’ in advance of a planned white supremacist rally. We call on the City of Toronto’s Executive Committee to explore alternatives to politically motivated censorship, to reject this inquiry and defend the Charter rights to free expression and assembly.

A copy of this letter was sent to Mayor John Tory and Ward 10 Councillor James Pasternak.

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Iraj Gardner commented 2017-11-09 18:32:36 -0500
If Councillor Pasternak wants to tackle hateful or violent demonstrations in this city, he needs to start by calling a public inquiry into the behaviour and actions of the pro-Nazi Toronto Police at these demonstrations. The August 21 demo is far from the first in which Toronto Police acted as personal stormtroopers for the neo-Nazis and other hate groups. Their biased approach to policing at these events only leads to escalation of violence and people getting hurt and arrested who shouldn’t be.

Pics and video as well as witness accounts clearly demonstrate that the police on Aug 21 were under orders to protect the Nazis, turn a blind eye to their violence, and interfere with and arrest counter protesters. That is why they were all in a line with their backs turned to the Nazis, when some should have been facing each side to watch for any violence. They even stole sound equipment from counter protesters using the “noise by-law” excuse while permitting the Nazis to continue using their (louder) equipment. The officer in charge that day is a hardcore conservative who has run for political office three times. Biased much? These cops need to learn to leave their political, personal and racial biases at home, and those incapable of doing so should not be assigned to crowd control duty. Toronto police behaviour in crowds is a disgrace, and this needs to be dealt with before their lack of professionalism causes someone to be seriously hurt or killed.

These cops are paid by the taxpayers to be serving and protecting everyone – not just gangs of racists, white supremacists and neo-Nazis.
Michael Maclean commented 2017-11-09 13:58:13 -0500
Yes. I agree. It is an opportunity for government and citizens to express viewpoints as well as whomever is demonstrating. Being challenged to develop a stronger skill set for countering hatred could be just what’s called for.