Josh Dehaas: Cities flout the Constitution with attempts to ban 'offensive' speech

Unconstitutional crackdowns on free speech and peaceful assembly are not the answer to vile street protests

The past year has tested the limits of Canadians’ tolerance for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, there have been thousands of anti-Israel rallies and marches. Deeply offensive words have been chanted and offensive symbols like the Hamas-inspired upside-down red triangle have been common sights on Canadian streets.

Jewish-Canadians are justifiably fearful for their safety considering that many of the people at these marches openly endorse Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages.