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
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.