Anti-Abortion Protestors Are Now Banned From Showing Graphic Signs Near Calgary Schools

The City of Calgary has voted to ban anti-abortion and other "advocacy" messaging near schools on Monday, October 5. 

According to a statement sent to Narcity by the city, Calgary's sign bylaw amendment will make it illegal to display "messaging that publicly expresses an opinion on an issue or cause" near a school.

According to CBC News, the motion came about after an anti-abortion protest near a Calgary elementary school in 2019 where "graphic placards" were shown. 

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12 of 15 Council members voted in favour

"No person shall display or carry a Sign with Advocacy Messaging larger than 3.5 inches x 5 inches within 150 meters of the boundary of School Grounds on a School Day," reads the amendment.

The bylaw would be in effect while school is in session: between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m, according to the amendment. 

"It is important to note, that the bylaw restrictions do not impose a ban on advocacy messaging, but rather restrict the size of the sign within a certain distance from the school," said Stacey McManaman, a business strategist with The City of Calgary 

Anyone found holding advocacy signs within 150 metres of the school faces a fine of $1000, said the statement. 

2019's anti-abortion protest prompted school boards to speak about at least 15 instances of "harmful" messaging near schools, stated CBC News. 

"This bylaw amendment was created to protect young Calgarians," said McManaman. The statement said that such signs make students a "captive audience" on school days. 

The article's cover photo was used for illustrative purposes only.