Calgary Pride protests stir 2SLGBTQ+ concerns
Posted Jun 23, 2023 7:40 pm.
Ongoing Pride Month protests are raising concerns in Calgary’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
This comes after a June 17 protest allegedly included elements of hate speech and even calls for some public figures to be killed.
Dr. Kristopher Wells, a Canada Research Chair and associate professor at MacEwan University, worries the demonstrations have gone too far.
“We would hope that in this case, Calgary Police Service (CPS) is recording these protests and is analyzing them, and if people have crossed the line into criminal misconduct, they will be arrested, and they will be charged,” he told CityNews.
Calgary city council passed the Safe and Inclusive Access bylaw in March.
The regulation aimed to ensure safe access to public spaces that host drag events by prohibiting protests within 100 metres of city facilities.
WATCH: Protests continue at drag shows following Calgary’s ‘safe and inclusive’ bylaw change
However, with recent demonstrations, Wells wonders if the bylaw should be expanded.
“It’s really important that people know that unlawful behaviour and hate speech will not be tolerated on the streets of our cities.”
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In a statement to CityNews, CPS says they are aware of the protest planned at City Hall on Saturday.
“The Calgary Police Service recognizes the Charter of Rights of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. We are working with our partners at the City of Calgary, as well as our community partners, to ensure public and officer safety and to maintain orderly conduct and peace,” the statement reads.
“We police behaviours, not beliefs.”
Officers say hate speech or hate motivation is determined through a “variety of factors,” adding both sides in a protest are entitled to their “own views and to legally and peaceful protest for their beliefs.”
“There are many groups who may say or do extremely offensive things, but it is not a crime to have or express an alternative view,” officers said.
Police ask anyone who believes they have witnessed a hate-motivated crime or incident, which would include hate speech, to call them at 403-266-1234 or leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
