Petition is addressed to: Parliament of Canada

Petition to Ban the Covering of Faces During Protests to Protect Public Safety, Accountability, and Public Peace

We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition to address a critical issue affecting public safety, the transparency of protests, and the well-being of the general public. While we fully recognize and support the fundamental human right to protest, we believe that covering faces during protests presents serious risks to public safety and disrupts the peaceful environment needed for our communities to thrive.

Background:

The right to protest is an essential and protected human right. It allows citizens to peacefully express their concerns, advocate for change, and engage in democracy. However, while we strongly support the right to protest, we also believe that protests should not disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens or create environments where lawlessness can flourish. When individuals cover their faces during protests, it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish between peaceful participants and those who may seek to incite violence, vandalism, or other unlawful activities. This anonymity can breed chaos and threaten public safety.

Furthermore, protests should not impede the daily lives of the general public. The rights of protesters should not come at the expense of the rights of those who wish to go about their day without disruption. The right to protest must be balanced with the obligation to maintain public peace, and individuals participating in demonstrations must take care not to disturb the community in any manner.

Our Request:

We respectfully call for the following:

Immediate Legislation
that prohibits face coverings during public protests or demonstrations, with exceptions made for health, safety, or religious reasons, to ensure that protests remain safe, accountable, and transparent.

Strict Enforcement
of this law, with penalties for those who fail to comply, to ensure that protesters are held accountable for their actions, and that those who participate in peaceful protests can do so openly and responsibly.

Public Peace and Non-Interference –
Protests must be conducted in a manner that does not disrupt the general public's ability to go about their daily lives. Protesters should be mindful that their right to assemble and express themselves should not result in disturbances to non-participants, whether through traffic disruptions, noise, or unlawful conduct.

Public Awareness Campaigns
to educate citizens on the importance of face visibility during protests for safety and transparency, and to promote responsible and peaceful demonstrations that respect both the protesters’ rights and the rights of the public.

The Importance of Action:

We fully understand and support the human right to protest. However, this right should not come at the cost of public safety, public peace, or the daily lives of the general population. By banning face coverings during protests, we are not restricting the right to protest; rather, we are ensuring that protests are carried out in a safe, peaceful, and accountable manner. This measure will ensure that legitimate protests remain effective and free of violence, while preventing the exploitation of public demonstrations for unlawful purposes.

Additionally, it is vital that protests do not inconvenience or disturb the broader public. The right to protest must be exercised with the understanding that public spaces must remain open and peaceful for everyone, regardless of their participation in the demonstration.