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The B.C. Civil Liberties Association says an Olympian package of bylaw changes effective six weeks before the 2010 Games begin would restrict freedom of speech.
Vancouver city council will consider an omnibus package of temporary changes to laws regulating building, land, licensing, graffiti, noise, street and traffic, vending, taxis, zoning and development and the distribution of publications. The measures would run Jan. 1 to March 31, 2010 in large areas of the city that include Games venues, live sites, SkyTrain stations and residential neighbourhoods.
BCCLA executive director David Eby said amendments would make it illegal for pizzeria leaflets, corner store sandwich boards and handouts of free newspapers, like 24 hours.
“It is completely bizarre to me that the city would be attempting to restrict free expression in this way, even if it’s commercial speech,” Eby said. “City of Vancouver needs to have the best interests of its citizens and its local businesses at heart and not the best interests of the International Olympic Committee.”
The report claims the bylaw changes are critical to the Games’ success for transportation and security planning and to prevent advertising by non-Games’ sponsors. It said the bylaws would not impact freedom of political speech or protest.
“The wording may seem rather broad but it’s certainly no intention to stop the publication of a newspaper or interfere with it,” said Vision Vancouver Coun. Geoff Meggs.