43rd Parl. 1st Sess.

April 04, 2023

Keeping 2SLGBTQI+ Communities Safe Act, 2023

First Reading Vote
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This is a bill called Bill 94, enacted in 2023 in Ontario, Canada. It consists of two schedules: the 2SLGBTQI+ Community Safety Zones Act and the Ontario 2SLGBTQI+ Safety Advisory Committee Act. The 2SLGBTQI+ Community Safety Zones Act establishes designated zones where acts of intimidation towards the 2SLGBTQI+ community are prohibited within 100 meters of the zone's boundary. These acts include causing disturbances, distributing hate propaganda, making offensive remarks, or engaging in protests that promote homophobia and transphobia. The Attorney General has the authority to designate these safety zones for a specific period of time. Violating these prohibitions can result in a fine of up to $25,000. Peaceful protests and demonstrations are not affected by this Act, and the Superior Court of Justice can grant injunctions to prevent violations. The Ontario 2SLGBTQI+ Safety Advisory Committee Act establishes an advisory committee chaired by the Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity. The committee is composed of members of the Legislative Assembly and is responsible for making recommendations to improve the safety of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and prevent hate crimes and incidents. The committee advises the Associate Minister on various matters, including housing, health, education, hate crime prevention, and other relevant issues. The committee consults with stakeholders, reviews public submissions, conducts surveys, and reviews applicable documents. The committee must provide an annual report to the Associate Minister, which is then tabled in the Legislative Assembly and published on a government website. The Associate Minister responds to the report and proposes actions in response to its findings. Financial support may be provided to implement the recommendations, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Overall, this bill aims to establish safety zones for the 2SLGBTQI+ community and create an advisory committee to address their safety concerns and make recommendations for improvement.

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SteelmanSpren in Favour

Steelman Argument: The Bill 94 2023, also known as the Keeping 2SLGBTQI+ Communities Safe Act, and the establishment of the Ontario 2SLGBTQI+ Safety Advisory Committee, aims to create a safer environment for the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Ontario. This legislation recognizes the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by the 2SLGBTQI+ community and seeks to address them through specific measures. One of the key provisions of this Act is the designation of 2SLGBTQI+ community safety zones. These zones are intended to be safe spaces where individuals from the 2SLGBTQI+ community can gather without fear of intimidation or harassment. By prohibiting acts of intimidation within 100 meters of these zones, the Act aims to create a sense of security and protection for the community. The Act also establishes the Ontario 2SLGBTQI+ Safety Advisory Committee, which is composed of members of the Legislative Assembly appointed by the Associate Minister. This committee is tasked with making findings and recommendations to the Associate Minister on improving the safety of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and preventing hate crimes and hate-motivated incidents. The committee's diverse composition ensures that different perspectives and experiences are taken into account when formulating recommendations. Furthermore, the Act emphasizes the importance of consultation with stakeholders, public submissions, surveys, and the review of relevant documents to inform the committee's work. This inclusive approach ensures that the committee's recommendations are evidence-based and reflect the needs and concerns of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The Act also requires the committee to submit an annual report to the Associate Minister, which is then tabled in the Legislative Assembly. This transparent reporting mechanism ensures accountability and allows for public scrutiny of the committee's findings and recommendations. The Associate Minister is also required to respond to the report and propose actions in response to its recommendations, further demonstrating a commitment to addressing the issues faced by the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Overall, the Bill 94 2023 and the establishment of the Ontario 2SLGBTQI+ Safety Advisory Committee provide a comprehensive framework for promoting the safety and well-being of the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Ontario. By creating designated safe spaces, facilitating meaningful consultation, and promoting evidence-based recommendations, this legislation takes important steps towards addressing the unique challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQI+ community and fostering a more inclusive and accepting society

SteelmanSpren Against

Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 94 2023: While the intention behind Bill 94 2023 may be to promote safety and inclusivity for the 2SLGBTQI+ community, there are concerns about the potential infringement on individual rights and the expansion of government control. Here are some right-wing anti-government talking points that could be used to argue against this bill: 1. Freedom of Speech: The prohibitions outlined in the 2SLGBTQI+ Community Safety Zones Act could be seen as limiting freedom of speech. By criminalizing acts of intimidation, distributing hate propaganda, or making offensive remarks, the government is potentially suppressing dissenting opinions or controversial discussions. It is important to protect the right to express different viewpoints, even if they may be offensive to some. 2. Government Overreach: The designation of 2SLGBTQI+ community safety zones and the establishment of the Ontario 2SLGBTQI+ Safety Advisory Committee represent an expansion of government control. This could lead to increased bureaucracy, unnecessary regulations, and potential abuse of power. It is essential to limit government interference in people's lives and allow individuals to make their own choices without excessive state intervention. 3. Unequal Treatment: The creation of specific safety zones for the 2SLGBTQI+ community raises concerns about unequal treatment under the law. While it is important to protect all individuals from harm, singling out a particular group for special treatment may create a sense of division and favoritism. All citizens should be treated equally under the law, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 4. Potential for Misuse: The broad language used in the bill, such as "offensive remarks" or "furthering the objectives of homophobia and transphobia," leaves room for subjective interpretation. This ambiguity could be exploited to silence dissenting opinions or stifle legitimate debate. Laws should be clear and specific to avoid potential misuse or abuse by those in power. 5. Infringement on Property Rights: The prohibition on certain activities within 100 meters of a 2SLGBTQI+ community safety zone could infringe on property rights. Property owners should have the freedom to use their land as they see fit, as long as they are not directly causing harm to others. Restricting activities within a specific radius limits property owners' rights and may lead to unintended consequences. It is important to consider these arguments when discussing the potential impact of Bill 94 202