CLC Blog

Supporters of Linda Gibbons outside the Ontario Court of Justice, July 22, 2024. 

Linda Gibbons, the 75-year-old Christian grandmother who was recently arrested and jailed for witnessing to life outside a Toronto-area abortion centre, appeared today in Ontario’s Court of Justice.

Before Linda’s scheduled 10 AM court appearance, some thirty supporters stood outside the courthouse to rally and pray for her. They held signs with messages such as “Repeal the Bubble Zone,” “Free Linda Gibbons,” and “Protect Free Speech.” When it came time for Linda’s court appearance, they packed into the courtroom.

Linda arrived in court escorted by a female police officer. The pro-life heroine was wearing a lime green long-sleeved sweatshirt. Her hands were cuffed behind her back. As she entered the dock — a large plexiglass box at the front of the courtroom — her supporters seated at the back stood up.

The judge ordered the supporters to sit back down. As a sign of respect, it’s usual court protocol for attendees to rise only when the judge enters. But here, attendees were rising when the accused entered.

Linda’s cuffs were removed, and she sat down as the dock’s door was shut and locked behind her.

“Good morning, Miss Gibbons,” said Judge Kate Doorly as Linda stood up, crossed her hands behind her back and remained silent.

“Miss Gibbons?” repeated Judge Doorly. Linda then crossed her hands in front, holding them near her waist. “All right, Miss Gibbons is remaining mute,” said the judge.

Sketch of Linda Gibbons as she stood up in the dock with her hands clasped in front of her at the Ontario Court of Justice, Room 901, July 22, 2024. Credit: Pete Baklinski 

Counsel Scott Randev spoke first. He appeared on behalf of Counsel Andrew Stastny, who is assisting Christopher Assie, the Province Crown from the Guns and Gangs Unit. Assie has been appointed as Linda’s amicus curiae, “a friend of the court.”

“There are some charges that are going to be set down for trial,” said Randev. “And, our request today is to adjourn Miss Gibbon’s matter to August 20 in this court to allow for us to set it down for a trial date.”

Linda stood silently in the dock the entire time, her hands folded. She moved her thumbs occasionally while gazing around the courtroom.

She is facing two criminal charges of “failing to comply” and “mischief” in relation to her four arrests, beginning in May, in front of the Abortion Clinic on Hillsdale Avenue (formerly known as the Morgentaler Clinic). The Crown said that the two charges would be “joined” and agreed to the August 20 adjournment in room 901 to set a “one-day trial.”   

Linda has also been charged with three provincial offences of breaching the “Safe Access to Abortion Services Act,” a 2017 law which establishes a 50-150 metre bubble zone around abortion mills. The Crown asked that these charges be remanded to October 22 at 9 AM in “C Court” at the Old City Hall.

The “C Court” addresses the needs of persons with mental health disabilities facing Provincial Offences Act charges in Toronto. But, the reason Linda is silent in court is not because she has a mental health issue but because she chooses to be in solidarity with pre-born children targeted for abortion who do not have a voice with which to defend themselves.

Supporters of Linda Gibbons hold signs outside the Ontario Court of Justice, July 22, 2024.

During the judge's questions about the upcoming trial, assistant counsel Randev said that he did not know if a time estimate had been done in a judicial pretrial. However, he confirmed that Assistant Crown Attorney Brianne Bovell had been assigned to Linda’s case.

At the end of the hearing, Judge Doorly agreed to remand Linda’s criminal charges to August 20 at 10 AM to set a trial date. She also agreed to send Linda to “C Court” at Old City Hall at 9 AM on October 22 to face her three charges of breaching the province’s “bubble zone” abortion law. The judge ordered Linda to appear “in person” on these dates.

As the female police officer approached to collect Linda from the dock, the grandmother, with solemn dignity, approached the locked door, nodded to the officer, turned around so her back was facing the door, and put her hands behind her back. The officer opened the door, handcuffed Linda, and prepared to lead her out of the courtroom.

“That’s unnecessary,” one of the supporters called out from the back of the courtroom as the audible “clink” of the handcuffs going around Linda’s wrists filled the room.

“She can pray behind her back, too,” said another.

The judge was incensed. “If everyone can remain quiet, please. Thank you,” she said.

But supporters continued to call out to Linda.

“God bless you, Linda,” said one. “God bless you,” said several more. “You are a real warrior for Christ,” said another. “Injustice,” said another.

Campaign Life Coalition has created a petition in support of Linda. The petition asks Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey and Premier Doug Ford to repeal the Safe Access to Abortion Services Act and to free Linda from jail. The petition has been signed by over 1,500 people. You can add your name here.