Free Linda Gibbons: repeal unjust bubble zone law
To: Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey
and
Premier Doug Ford
We, the undersigned, urgently call upon you to repeal legislation that prohibits citizens from protesting within 50 metres of abortion facilities. The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017, which establishes a restrictive "bubble zone," unjustly curtails the democratic rights of peaceful protesters who seek to bring attention to the plight of preborn children targeted for abortion.
The recent arrest and imprisonment of Linda Gibbons, a 75-year-old Christian grandmother who has dedicated her life to peaceful pro-life advocacy, underscores the urgent need to reassess this legislation. Linda was charged in July with violating the bubble zone law after peacefully witnessing to life outside a Toronto-area abortion centre. This resulted in her unjust incarceration.
Linda’s arrest and imprisonment highlight the disproportionate and suppressive nature of this law, which criminalizes individuals for exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. Historically, protests have initiated much-needed societal changes, brought to light injustices, and amplified the voices of the marginalized. By restricting protests within a 50-metre radius of abortion centres, the government effectively silences those who are striving to expose and combat the gravest violation of human rights – the denial of the right to life of the preborn.
The "bubble zone" legislation is entirely unnecessary. Pro-lifers witness peacefully. If that were not the case, they could be charged under existing laws against harassment, intimidation, uttering threats, etc.
We respectfully urge you to repeal the bubble zone law. We ask that you take immediate action to ensure that individuals like Linda Gibbons are not criminalized for their advocacy for those who have no voice.
Please champion the rights of peaceful protesters who defend the most vulnerable among us, the preborn child.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your prompt and favourable response.
Sincerely,
[The undersigned]
Read more about Linda Gibbons:
Epoch Times: Toronto Woman, 75, Arrested for Pro-Life Display Near Abortion Clinic—Had 25 Prior Arrests
Pro-life Canadian Man (X): Linda Gibbons charged for breaching Ontario bubble zone law
LifeSiteNews: Linda Gibbons arrested for 4th time after skipping court to witness outside abortion clinic