Anti-vaxxers in Quebec could be fined $10,000 for protesting near schools, hospitals
CTV
Anti-vax protesters who picket outside hospitals, schools, daycares or COVID-19 test and vaccine sites could face a heavy fine, according to a bill tabled Thursday by the Quebec government.
The bill, which Premier François Legault had said earlier this week was in the works, allows police to issue fines of up to $10,000 to anyone protesting within 50 metres of any 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 $10,000 could be slapped on anyone who intimidates or threatens people coming or leaving from those sites, or trying to access services there.
The bill also bans organizing or inciting people to hold protests like this, and it grants Superior Court judges the ability to issue an injunction to prevent them.