Canada bill seeks to penalize ‘offensive’ speech near drag shows

The Ontario Legislative Assembly in Canada has proposed a bill that seeks to establish LGBTQ safety zones and penalize “offensive remarks” near drag shows or similar events in the province. Proponents say the measure is a response to increased violence and consistent with Canadian hate speech laws. However, some critics argue that the bill is an attack on free expression due to its broad nature.

During a press conference, members of the Ontario Legislative Assembly announced the plan saying it would target “any homophobic, transphobic act of intimidation, threat, offensive remark, protest, disturbance, and distribution of hate propaganda.” If passed, the law would create safety zones within a 100-meter football field-sized area of designated events, where “offensive remarks” about gay people would be prohibited and could lead to a fine of up to $25,000.

New bill in Canada would prosecute anyone that misgendered, criticised or protested against Transgenderism.

Anyone deemed “transphobic, homophobic or offensive” would face prosecution and a $25,000 fine. 🇨🇦

pic.twitter.com/aRli8ZKQJe

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 5, 2023

In contrast, some states in the U.S. have moved to restrict drag performances to varying degrees. Tennessee became the first state to restrict adult cabaret performances in public or areas where there may be young children on-site. While it was signed into law in March 2023, it was temporarily blocked by a federal judge over First Amendment concerns. Republican lawmakers in at least 16 states have also proposed similar laws, as reported by NBC. Across the country, conservative activists and politicians argue that drag contributes to the “sexualization” or “grooming” of children, according to The Associated Press.

Prominent Conservatives like talk show host Matt Walsh have applauded the Tennessee law. In a video he argued that when it comes to drag shows, there’s an overarching intention to “desensitize and confuse children to induct them into the less sexual pathologies and obsessions from a very young age.”

In contrast, the White House has disagreed with the growing efforts targeting drag shows. During a March 2023 press conference, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “it’s part of a larger pattern from elected officials who espouse freedom but apparently think that freedom of speech only extends to people who agree with them.”