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HCF applauds Ottawa’s proposed protest protection to places of worship
The City Committee voted, 15-2, in favor of a “bubble bylaw” and the proposal now awaits approval from the City Council.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Sat, 18, Apr 2026
- 02:58 EDT
- 29
Hindu Canadian Foundation logo / HCF
The Hindu Canadian Foundation hailed the Ottawa City Committee’s vote in favour of the ‘bubble bylaw’, hailing it as a decision that would help protect religious and community places and services from disruption.
The City Committee, on April 17, voted, 15-2, in favor of a “bubble bylaw” that would restrict protests near schools, hospitals and places of worship, sending it to council for a final decision.
The decision, coming after a seven-hour marathon debate, sought to balance between the individual’s right to protest and the community’s right to worship and access other services.
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Expressing its backing, the HCF said on X, “The Hindu Canadian Foundation applauds Ottawa City’s move toward a 50‑metre bubble‑zone bylaw to protect designated community facilities.”
Highlighting the proposed law’s significance, it continued, “For years, Hindu temples, synagogues, churches and other sacred spaces across Canada have faced intimidation, targeted disruptions, and pressure from violent or extremist elements. These incidents have shaken community members who simply want to pray, gather, and celebrate in peace.”
The Hindu Canadian Foundation applauds @ottawacity move toward a 50‑metre bubble‑zone bylaw to protect designated community facilities.
— Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) (@officialHinduCF) April 18, 2026
For years, Hindu temples, synagogues, churches and other sacred spaces across Canada have faced intimidation, targeted disruptions, and… https://t.co/n2UdtfZihZ
HCF noted that the new law would be an effective deterrent against protests, harassment, and disruptive activity within 50 metres of selected facilities and went on to describe it as a meaningful step toward ensuring that places of worship and community service remain “safe, welcoming, and free from coercion.”
The religious community organization expressed solidarity with other faith-communities and emphasized their right to dignity, safety, and respect at their places of worship.
It added, “It is about protecting the fundamental right of Canadians to practice their faith without fear, and ensuring that disagreements or political grievances are never taken out on ordinary worshippers.”
The vote comes weeks after two Hindu temples in Canada's Brampton and Surrey were targeted by members of the Khalistani group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), days after the country's House of Commons passed Bill C-9, which aimed to prohibit demonstrations in front of places of worship. The Bill is currently placed in the Canadian Senate.
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