BRAMPTON, – Two days of violent protests outside a Hindu temple in Brampton have sparked debate over changes to Canada’s sit-in and protest laws. Protests may soon be banned in places of worship in the province of Ontario.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has said he plans to ask the city council to consider a bylaw that would ban protests at places of worship after violence erupted as hundreds of protesters stormed the Hindu Sabha on Sunday. had gathered outside the temple, due to which three people were arrested.

He said what could be considered at the local level would be legislation to ban “organizing or participating in any disruptive demonstration” within 100 meters of places of worship, schools, childcare centers or hospitals.

They say the bylaw “is not intended to prohibit peaceful assemblies, protests or demonstrations,” including those that are part of a union strike.

But James Turk, director of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Center for Free Expression, said there is “no need” for such bylaws when it is already illegal to incite or engage in violence across Canada.