Calgary bylaw aimed at protecting LGBTQ events faces legal challenge

A City of Calgary bylaw that puts a buffer between protesters and drag events is facing a legal challenge over whether a municipal government has the power to enact such rules.

In March, the Safe and Inclusive Access bylaw was passed to address escalating protests at drag events, including a number of Reading with Royalty events at Calgary libraries.

The bylaw prohibits certain types of protests within 100 metres of an entrance to a city-owned recreation facility or library. The city says it established access zones so people are able to access public services and facilities without being "exposed to messaging or behaviour that is hateful, intimidates, harasses, or discriminates."

The bylaw will be looked at in a judicial review in February 2025, after a constitutional challenge was filed in May. The Canadian Constitution Foundation, which filed the challenge, said it's part of their mandate to defend fundamental freedoms.