Ottawa’s city council voted on Wednesday to enable city staff to look into the feasibility of implementing a ‘bubble bylaw’ that could restrict demonstrations near certain community spaces, including schools and hospitals amid an increase in hate crimes.
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The motion moved by Coun. Allan Hubley and supported by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was passed despite councillors expressing heavy skepticism over the effectiveness of the bylaw and concerns it would impede on the constitutional right to protest.
Twenty-two councillors voted for the motion, with councillors Shawn Menard, Jessica Bradley and Sean Devine voting against after about an hour of debate.
The motion will direct staff to consider the feasibility of a “vulnerable social infrastructure” bylaw similar to one passed in the City of Vaughan earlier this year or consider alternate approaches to address harassment and hate speech …