Calgary city council to debate safety bylaws after protests at library drag events

Calgary's city council is set to discuss updating one bylaw and bringing in another to address protests at drag events.

Calgary's city council is set to discuss updating one bylaw and bringing in another to address protests at drag events.

The proposed changes, which are on the agenda for this week's council meeting, include adding the word "intimidation" to the existing public behaviour bylaw.

A second bylaw, which would be called the safe and inclusive access bylaw, is also set to be debated by councillors as early as today.

It would prohibit protests within 100 metres of an entrance to a recreation facility or library and anywhere inside those facilities.

The move comes as a 36-year-old man faces criminal and bylaw charges related to a disruption during a Reading with Royalty event at a public library in February.

The family-friendly story times at libraries are led by drag queens or kings, and children are invited to dress in their best outfit, cape or crown.

Charges under the city's public behaviour bylaw carry a maximum penalty of up to $10,000 or six months in jail.