Cory Morgan: The Right to Protest Is Fundamental, but Others’ Rights Must Also Be Respected

Commentary

With the removal of pro-Palestine encampments from Canadian universities, the need for a discussion on legitimate forms of protest arises. The right to protest is essential for freedom but not absolute, requiring legislative guidelines to prevent conflicts and damage from protests that cross the line.

While protests are generally accepted, occupations pose problems that may necessitate state intervention. The trend of using occupation as a form of protest gained traction in 2011 with the “Occupy Wall Street” movement, leading to issues like drug overdoses and sexual assaults in encampments.

In 2020, the occupation of a six-block area in Seattle highlighted the dangers of unchecked protests turning into lawless zones. The recent truckers’ Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa also escalated into an encampment, prompting government intervention under the Emergencies Act.

Clear regulations on protest duration and behavior could prevent protests from turning into prolonged occupations. Legislation would provide clarity for local governments to manage protests effectively and avoid the need for costly injunctions.

Unacceptable behaviors, such as targeting specific communities or glorifying violence, must be addressed to uphold basic societal values. Legislation can help mitigate issues related to prolonged protests and potential violence during their removal.

An all-party committee should be tasked with defining the rights and limitations of protests in Canada, involving legal and constitutional experts to ensure the legislation is fair and withstands legal challenges.

Without comprehensive legislation, governments are reactive to protests, leading to potential escalation and conflicts. By regulating fundamental rights with defined obligations, protests can be preserved within reasonable constraints.

Creating solid legislation is crucial to prevent future occupations and ensure peaceful protests without the need for drastic police actions.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.