Protecting Safe Access to Worship

Summary#

This bill would set up “access zones” around places of public worship in B.C. Its goal is to make sure people can enter, leave, and take part in services without being blocked, disrupted, or harassed.

• Creates protected zones that usually cover the worship site and extend 20 metres beyond the property line, or 20 metres from entrances in multi-use buildings.
• Bans blocking entry, disrupting services, trying to persuade people not to attend, and intimidation within these zones.
• Requires clear signs to be posted for a zone to take effect.
• Lets police arrest people on the spot (without a court order) if they believe the rules are being broken.
• Allows the court to issue quick orders (injunctions) to stop ongoing or likely violations, including without prior notice.
• Exempts activities approved by the worship site, and lawful strikes or picketing.
• The law would automatically end after 4 years unless ended earlier.

What it means for you#

• Worshippers and visitors

  • You should be able to enter and leave services without being blocked or yelled at in a way that could make you fear for your safety.
  • If signs are posted, people cannot try to talk you out of attending while you are within the zone.

• Faith leaders and congregations

  • You can post signs to activate an access zone. Signs must be clear and placed so people approaching can see them.
  • You may allow certain activities within the zone. Approved activities are not covered by the ban.
  • You or the Attorney General can ask the court for an order to stop people from breaking the rules.

• Protesters and activists

  • You can still protest outside the zone boundaries.
  • Inside a posted zone, you cannot block doors or paths, disrupt services, try to persuade people not to participate, or intimidate anyone.
  • Joining a group that is breaking these rules inside the zone is also banned.
  • Lawful labour actions (strikes, lockouts, picketing) that follow the Labour Relations Code are allowed.

• Neighbours and passersby

  • Sidewalks and streets within 20 metres of the property or entrances may be part of a zone if signs are posted.
  • Private homes and places not open to the public are never part of a zone.

• Police

  • Officers can arrest without a warrant if they reasonably believe someone is breaking the access-zone rules.
  • Enforcement can also happen through court orders that restrain specific people.

• Buildings with multiple uses (for example, a worship space inside an office or community centre)

  • If signs are posted at the worship space entrances, the zone covers the worship space and 20 metres from those doors.
  • If signs are also posted at the building’s main entrances, the zone can include 20 metres from those building entrances plus 20‑metre‑wide passageways from the doors to the worship space.

• Everyone

  • Do not remove or deface access‑zone signs unless you are the owner or occupier.
  • The government can set detailed rules by regulation, including changing zone sizes for certain sites or adding exemptions.
  • The law ends 4 years after it takes effect, unless ended sooner.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• People should be free to worship without being blocked, shouted down, or harassed on the way in.
• Clear signs and set distances give everyone fair notice about where the rules apply.
• The law targets harmful conduct, not general speech, and still allows protests outside the zone.
• Quick police action and court orders can prevent tense situations from escalating.
• Exemptions for approved activities and lawful labour actions protect other rights.
• A 4‑year sunset allows the province to test the approach and adjust or end it later.

Opponents' View#

• The definition of “interference” includes trying to persuade someone not to attend, which critics say could limit peaceful speech in public spaces.
• A 20‑metre buffer from property lines or entrances may sweep in sidewalks and streets, reducing where protests can occur.
• “Causing concern for mental safety” could be seen as vague, creating uncertainty about what speech is allowed.
• Police power to arrest without a warrant and court orders without notice may be used unevenly or chill dissent.
• Posting and maintaining signs puts the onus on faith groups and may create confusion about when a zone is active.
• Government power to change zone sizes or activities by regulation could make rules inconsistent across communities.