In response to recent protests that escalated into violence at a local Hindu temple, Brampton City Council has taken decisive action to protect places of worship from demonstrations. On November 13, Mayor Patrick Brown introduced a motion to create a bylaw banning protests outside religious institutions. The motion received unanimous support from council members and will be finalized at the next council meeting on November 20.
The proposed bylaw aims to balance two fundamental Charter rights: the freedom to protest and the freedom of religion. Mayor Brown emphasized the importance of safeguarding places of worship as spaces for peace and reflection, free from intimidation or harassment.
“Regardless of whether you go to a mandir, gurdwara, mosque, synagogue, or church, everyone should be able to pray free of violence, intimidation, and harassment,” said Mayor Brown. “This motion is about ensuring that places of worship remain sanctuaries of peace, while also upholding the right to protest in appropriate settings.”
The motion directs city staff to work collaboratively with Peel Regional Police, local faith groups, and other levels of government to craft the bylaw. Brampton joins other municipalities, such as Vaughan and Mississauga, in taking steps to address tensions at places of worship.
The action comes in the wake of protests at the Hindu Sabha Mandir on The Gore Road earlier this month. Demonstrators advocating for an independent Sikh state in India, known as Khalistan, clashed with counter-protesters during events hosted at the temple. The confrontation led to several arrests and reports of weapons in the crowd.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: 99.9% of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Brampton are loving, harmonious, and want nothing more than a safe city for their families,” Brown remarked. “Unfortunately, it only takes a few agitators to create division, and we must act to prevent such incidents.”
The bylaw is designed to provide clear guidelines for protests, ensuring public safety while respecting fundamental rights. “Sometimes there can be an environment that makes violence or friction more likely,” said Brown. “This bylaw is about creating an environment where such risks are minimized.”
The motion is set to be ratified on November 20, 2024, at the next council meeting. Once implemented, Brampton’s bylaw will prohibit protests at places of worship while providing designated locations for peaceful demonstrations.