The City of Brantford was made aware, in advance, that a protest at Mohawk Park was planned to take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
To ensure all participants’ safety, the City coordinated with Brantford Police Services to have Bylaw enforcement staff on site to monitor activities and enact enforcement measures as necessary. The City did not issue a permit for this demonstration, as protests do not fit the criteria for an event requiring a permit.
“The City of Brantford recognizes and upholds the fundamental right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We firmly support the ability of our residents to engage in peaceful protests and demonstrations on public property within our jurisdiction. This includes public parks, streets, sidewalks, and other areas traditionally used for civic expression, as long as these activities adhere to the principles of lawful and respectful assembly,” said the City, in the statement.
“Furthermore, we want to emphasize that any form of hate speech, as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada, is not to be tolerated within our municipality. Hate speech, which includes the promotion of hatred or incitement to violence against individuals or groups based on factors such as race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, goes against the City’s values of inclusivity and respect for all community members. We expect that those engaging in hate speech during protests will be subject to legal consequences in accordance with Canadian law.”
Following the initial protest at Mohawk Park, supporters of gender identity rights assembled to exercise their right to peacefully protest at Brantford City Hall.
“To be clear, the City of Brantford vehemently condemns all forms of hate speech. We stand firmly for inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all residents. Hate speech has no place in our community, and we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.”
