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e-2977 (Justice)

E-petition
Initiated by Katie Dean from London, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • Groups have been distributing leaflets containing extremely graphic images of allegedly aborted fetuses in cities across Canada, ignoring "No Flyer" signage posted by homeowners;
  • Groups have been gathering in protest against abortion by displaying extremely graphic images of allegedly aborted fetuses on busy street corners in cities across Canada;
  • The sight of such imagery is being exposed to nonconsenting individuals and children; and
  • Imagery has been triggering for persons who have suffered trauma and loss involving pregnancy, infancy, childbirth, etc., including but not limited to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, abortion, domestic violence, and fleeing a country involved in war.
We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to work with provinces and municipalities to:
1. Amend or create legislation setting out the limitations regarding what imagery and content can be used in a protest or demonstration that is subject to public viewing; and
2. Amend or create legislation regarding if, and how graphic imagery can be delivered to homes across the Country (i.e. putting such pamphlets in envelopes with a "Viewer Discretion" warning).

Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable David Lametti

Our government understands the deeply disturbing nature of graphic images portraying allegedly aborted fetuses. The freedom to express one’s viewpoint on social policy issues is protected by the Charter (section 2(b)). Freedom of peaceful assembly is also a Charter right (section 2(c)) and includes the right to participate in peaceful protests. The Government is committed to respecting Charter rights and values.

Measures to impose limitations on graphic images and content used in protests or in materials delivered to personal residences fall within provincial and territorial jurisdiction and that of their respective municipalities.

All women in Canada have the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services and our government will always support that.

Open for signature
November 16, 2020, at 2:13 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
February 14, 2021, at 2:13 p.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Lindsay Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe)
February 26, 2021 (Petition No. 432-00601)
Government response tabled
April 12, 2021
Photo - Lindsay Mathyssen
London—Fanshawe
New Democratic Party Caucus
Ontario
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