Northern Ontario drag artists want more security around their activities
While the opposition is calling on the Ford government to create safe zones to protect drag queens and drag kings from harassment and bullying, followers of this art practice in Northeastern Ontario share what such protection means to them.
The bill, which has its critics, was introduced last week by NDP MP Kristyn Wong-Tam.
If passed, it would allow the attorney general to create temporary community safety zones for specific addresses,
such as where a drag show is held.
Harassment, intimidation and hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community within 100 metres of the building in question would result in a $25,000 fine under the bill.
Government House Leader Paul Calandra said the legislature would give the bill the attention it deserves.
Jason Maclennan, North Bay Pride's director of communications and drag artist, is thrilled to see the bill introduced, but laments the need for it.
Maclennan has received death threats online for including moderating political debates while in costume.
According to Statistics Canada, the number of hate crimes related to gender orientation reported
to police increased by 64% between 2020 and 2021.
The Ontario NDP had invited several drag queens to Queen's Park to introduce its LGBTQ+ safe zones bill.
(File photo)© Mathieu Simard/Radio-CanadaAshley Aikens-McIntosh, a drag artist from Sault Ste. Marie, witnessed demonstrations around storytelling activities she facilitated. There are children in these events, and I have their safety at heart.
Aikens-McIntosh says the bill is an example of solidarity that sends an important message, even if it doesn't pass.
The law could be passed if the Conservatives really go down that road, she adds.
Defending freedom of expressionCarol Zwibel, director of the fundamental freedoms program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, raises concerns about the bill introduced at Queen's Park.
Zwibel says hate speech in Canada is narrowly defined as extreme expression that must reach a legal threshold. I believe that at least some of what happens during [drag events] doesn't come close to that definition, even though it's very offensive and problematic.
She adds that people who feel threatened can already call the police.
The director of the fundamental freedoms program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association points to a logistical problem, due to the Attorney General's responsibility to temporarily designate a place as a safe space.
Ms. Zwibel believes that it would not be possible to obtain the designation in due time.
In comparison, the safe zones around abortion clinics are always in the same place.
These zones are more justified, she said, because protests can interfere with health care delivery and compromise privacy rights.
The bill, which has its critics, was introduced last week by NDP MP Kristyn Wong-Tam.
If passed, it would allow the attorney general to create temporary community safety zones for specific addresses,
such as where a drag show is held.
Harassment, intimidation and hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community within 100 metres of the building in question would result in a $25,000 fine under the bill.
Government House Leader Paul Calandra said the legislature would give the bill the attention it deserves.
Jason Maclennan, North Bay Pride's director of communications and drag artist, is thrilled to see the bill introduced, but laments the need for it.
Maclennan has received death threats online for including moderating political debates while in costume.
According to Statistics Canada, the number of hate crimes related to gender orientation reported
to police increased by 64% between 2020 and 2021.
The Ontario NDP had invited several drag queens to Queen's Park to introduce its LGBTQ+ safe zones bill.
(File photo)© Mathieu Simard/Radio-CanadaAshley Aikens-McIntosh, a drag artist from Sault Ste. Marie, witnessed demonstrations around storytelling activities she facilitated. There are children in these events, and I have their safety at heart.
Aikens-McIntosh says the bill is an example of solidarity that sends an important message, even if it doesn't pass.
The law could be passed if the Conservatives really go down that road, she adds.
Defending freedom of expressionCarol Zwibel, director of the fundamental freedoms program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, raises concerns about the bill introduced at Queen's Park.
Zwibel says hate speech in Canada is narrowly defined as extreme expression that must reach a legal threshold. I believe that at least some of what happens during [drag events] doesn't come close to that definition, even though it's very offensive and problematic.
She adds that people who feel threatened can already call the police.
The director of the fundamental freedoms program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association points to a logistical problem, due to the Attorney General's responsibility to temporarily designate a place as a safe space.
Ms. Zwibel believes that it would not be possible to obtain the designation in due time.
In comparison, the safe zones around abortion clinics are always in the same place.
These zones are more justified, she said, because protests can interfere with health care delivery and compromise privacy rights.