Anti-abortion activists challenge Quebec law forcing demonstrators to keep distance

Nov 14, 2024 | 11:44 AM

MONTREAL — A Montreal court is hearing final arguments today in a constitutional challenge of a Quebec law that requires protesters to stay 50 metres away from abortion clinics.

The Quebec Life Coalition and other plaintiffs say the 2016 law violates their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly guaranteed in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The plaintiffs argue that the law undermines democratic debate occurring on public space and therefore should be struck down as “inoperable and unconstitutional.”

However, lawyers for Quebec’s attorney general argues the provision in the Act Respecting Health Services and Social Services was enacted to protect vulnerable women from harassment and intimidation.