City Council to Review Proposal Following Clashes in Religious Spaces
The City of Mississauga is reviewing a proposed bylaw that would prevent demonstrations within 100 metres of places of worship, with a decision expected by May. This initiative comes after protests near religious sites in both Mississauga and Brampton escalated into violence last November, prompting concerns about safety and public order.
City officials have committed to conducting thorough research before making a final decision, studying similar bylaws in other municipalities, consulting legal experts, and seeking input from community groups and the public. The move aligns with actions already taken by neighboring cities such as Brampton and Vaughan, which have implemented similar measures. Brampton City Council passed a bylaw on November 20 imposing fines of up to $100,000 for protests held near places of worship, while Vaughan has banned what it describes as “nuisance demonstrations” at religious sites. Calgary has also established buffer zones around sensitive locations, including temples, mosques, churches, schools, and hospitals.
The proposal in Mississauga originated from Ward 7 Councillor Dipika Damerla, who introduced the motion on November 13, 2024. Her intent, she stated, was to protect worshippers from intimidation and ensure places of worship remain peaceful sanctuaries. She acknowledged the importance of protecting the right to peaceful protest but emphasized that certain demonstrations can be deeply distressing to religious communities. Damerla described a hypothetical scenario where individuals heading to Sunday service encounter the burning of a Canadian flag outside their church, noting that such actions, while legal, send an unsettling message to those simply seeking to pray.
Despite support from some city officials and law enforcement, the proposed bylaw has met with resistance. The Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, representing over 20 Sikh temples across Ontario and Quebec, expressed concerns that the legislation was introduced without proper consultation with the Sikh community. The committee also disputed claims that a protest at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton last November was violent, arguing instead that it was a peaceful demonstration against consular activities within the facility rather than an attack on the place of worship itself. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Coalition of Hindus of North America have also voiced opposition, warning that such measures could infringe on freedom of expression and the right to public assembly.
City Solicitor Graham Walsh, in a report to the council, has urged officials to move forward cautiously. He has been tasked with reviewing the legal and constitutional implications of such a bylaw and will provide a full report in early 2025 before a final decision is made. He acknowledged that while safety concerns are valid, the city must carefully balance them against constitutional rights.
Mississauga is the latest in a growing number of cities seeking to limit demonstrations near religious sites in response to heightened tensions and security concerns. The debate continues over whether such measures are necessary safeguards for worshippers or an overreach that could restrict fundamental freedoms. As city officials work toward a resolution, the decision in May will have lasting implications for the future of public demonstrations in Mississauga and beyond.