Canada: Activists to protest at Parliament Hill in Ottawa December 4

Event

Various civic organizations and other activist groups plan to protest at Parliament Hill in Ottawa from 11:30 (local time) on Dec. 4. The action is to protest Bill C-6, known as the "conversion therapy ban," which seeks to amend the Criminal Code by creating new offenses for conversion therapy related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The event is likely to draw large crowds.

Police will probably deploy to monitor the protest and ensure that participants adhere to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) guidelines. Unannounced counterdemonstrations by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) activists could materialize; the possibility of low-level skirmishes cannot be ruled out if opposing groups are near each other. Traffic disruptions are likely near Parliament Hill for the duration of the protest.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Allow additional time to reach destinations if operating near Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Dec. 4.