Graphic roadside anti-abortion signs could be target of stricter sign bylaw
London may soon consider broadening its prohibition of graphic anti-abortion images to include their public display on signs, banners and billboards.
Deanna Ronson, a local member of the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC), wants city council to prohibit people from displaying images of aborted fetuses along roadways and in other public settings.
Ronson points to the psychological harm that can be done to children or to women who have experienced a miscarriage or abortion.
“The harm can be quite substantial because of the nature of the images that are depicted,” she told CTV News.
On Tuesday, the Community and Protective Services Committee supported a motion by Coun. Mariam Hamou directing staff to prepare a report about potentially expanding the sign bylaw to prohibit graphic images in public.
“We’re not trying to shut down freedom of speech, that’s not what we’re trying to do here,” Hamou explained. “What we’re trying to do is limit graphic images on our streets.”
Earlier this year, council approved a new by-law forbidding the door-to-door delivery of flyers containing images of fetuses after complaints were received from several neighbourhoods.
The organization behind the flyers and some of the graphic banners warns that, “Litigation appears inevitable.”
“The City of London is engaging in what no government has the power to do — to single out one particular message to regulate, censor and suppress,” wrote Blaise Alleyne of the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform in a statement to CTV News.
But Ronson says the Right to Freedom of Expression has limits.
“You don’t get to cause harm to others just because you feel you have the right to do so. It’s that simple,” she said.
Hamou added that city council shouldn’t be swayed by a threat of litigation.
“It may be challenged in court, but I think we’re ready to fight that fight,” she said.
Council will decide if staff will prepare a report outlining possible changes to the sign bylaw at a meeting on Aug. 2.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.