London to consider banning graphic anti-abortion posters from public view
Posters of aborted fetuses displayed along London, Ont. streets have sparked counter-protests and confrontations, but soon city council will consider banning the public display of certain graphic images.
A staff report to the Community and Protective Services (CAPS) Committee responds to a previous council request for information and a draft by-law.
“Shut down this harm that these people are causing,” said Deanna Ronson, a board member with Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada. “It is definitely a citywide issue that needs to be addressed to prevent further harm.”
Ronson said the roadside posters cause trauma to people passing by, especially children and women who have lost a pregnancy.
A proposed update to city hall's Streets By-law would forbid “an image or photograph showing, or purporting to show, a fetus or any part of a fetus.”
It would further describe the action of displaying an image as, “to be publicly visible anywhere on a city street including the sidewalks and other public property.”
“Freedom of Speech needs to be protected, but also the residents’ right to enjoy public spaces without upsetting and offensive images that they have no advanced warning of,” said Coun. Elizabeth Peloza.
A ban on the public display of graphic images would break new ground.
A review by city staff of other Ontario cities show no similar by-laws in place, and a graphic sign by-law in Calgary only applies around schools.
In May 2022, London led the way with restrictions on the door-to-door delivery of graphic flyers.
“Since then, seven other municipalities across Canada have passed identical or very similar by-laws to London, so I believe we can be on the forefront,” Ronson explained.
CTV News has yet to receive a response from the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform about the possible by-law amendment.
The organization previously opposed the graphic flyer by-law, arguing it was a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Ronson maintains that rights have limits, “A person’s rights end where they start infringing on someone else’s [rights], and harming someone else.”
The CAPS committee could recommend the draft by-law amendment be advanced to a Public Participation Meeting, revise the proposed changes, seek additional information from staff, or take no action.
Peloza would like to consider expanding the definition of graphic to include other objectionable images.
She also wants to know the changes would be enforceable, “Making sure we have [enforcement] staff, and what kind of penalties would be associated with contravention of it.”
The CAPS Committee will consider the draft by-law amendment Feb. 20.
A Public Participation Meeting has been suggested for March 18.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.