Quebec swiftly passes new bill to prohibit anti-vaccine protests near schools, hospitals
CTV
After just a few hours of debate, Quebec's National Assembly voted unanimously Thursday evening to pass a new bill that would prohibit anti-vaccine protesters from demonstrating near schools, daycares, and hospitals -- an offence punishable by a fine of up to $12,000.
Bill 105 was only tabled Thursday morning by the province's public safety minsiter, Geneviève Guilbault, but it took little time for MNAs to debate the new bill that will give police new powers to fine people for protesting within 50 metres of those places, depending on their behaviour.
Fines of $1,000 to $6,000 would apply to anyone protesting too close to those places over COVID-19 health rules or vaccination. That includes mobile clinics.
Fines from $2,000 to $12,000 could be slapped on anyone who intimidates or threatens people coming or leaving from those sites, or trying to access services there.
Fines could be doubled for repeat offenders.
