Ontario religious group opposes effort to limit protests in Mississauga [Video]

A group representing some 20 Sikh places of worship in Ontario and Quebec is pushing back against Mississauga’s attempt to ban demonstrations from taking place within 100 metres of such places.

Opposition from the Ontario Gurdwaras Committee comes in the wake of a Nov. 13 decision by City of Mississauga council that directed municipal staff to “consider the feasibility of implementing a bylaw that prohibits demonstrations within 100 metres, or within reasonable distance, of places of worship at the earliest possible time.”

The city’s move followed recent outbreaks of violence during protests in both Brampton and Mississauga. Brampton is also considering a similar bylaw.

Ward 7 Coun. Dipika Damerla, who tabled the motion, said she did so with an eye toward keeping people safe and free from intimidation as they attend places of worship in Mississauga. Protests, even relatively peaceful events, are on the rise across the region, she added.

An Ontario Gurdwaras Committee representative is scheduled to …