Safe Access Zones for Worship Sites

Summary#

This bill creates “safe access zones” around places of public worship in British Columbia. Its goal is to make sure people can enter, leave, and take part in worship without being blocked, harassed, or pressured.

• An access zone starts only after clear signs are posted by the place of worship.
• Inside the zone, people cannot block entrances, disrupt services, try to persuade others not to participate, or intimidate anyone.
• Zones usually cover the property and up to 20 metres around it. Special rules apply if the worship space is inside a larger building.
• Labour picketing that follows the Labour Relations Code is allowed. Activities approved by the place of worship are also allowed.
• Police can arrest without a warrant for violations. The Attorney General or any person can ask a court to order someone to stop.
• The law takes effect on Royal Assent and will automatically end after up to 4 years unless ended earlier.

What it means for you#

• Worshippers and faith communities

  • Your entry and exit should be free from blocking, loud disruption, or harassment.
  • People cannot try to talk you out of attending or taking part while you are within the posted zone.
  • Your place of worship must post signs to activate the zone and keep them visible.
  • You (or the Attorney General) can ask a court to stop ongoing violations.
  • You can still host outreach or events you approve on your property.

• Protesters, advocates, and the public

  • Within a posted zone, you cannot block doors or paths, disrupt services, intimidate people, or try to persuade people not to go in or take part.
  • Peaceful protest is still allowed outside the zone. Labour picketing that follows the Labour Relations Code is allowed.
  • If the worship space is in a mall or office, the zone can include entrances, exits, and certain hallways up to 20 metres from them.
  • Police may arrest without a warrant if they believe you are violating the rules.
  • Removing or damaging the posted signs (if you are not the owner or authorized) is not allowed.

• Neighbours and passersby

  • Sidewalks and other public areas within the posted zone are covered by these rules.
  • Private homes are not part of an access zone, and places not normally open to the public are excluded.

• Owners and managers of places of worship

  • You choose to post signs to create a zone and must include the required information.
  • You can authorize certain activities within the zone (for example, events or leafletting you approve).
  • You can ask the court for an injunction (a court order) to stop violations quickly.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• People should be able to worship without being blocked, harassed, or intimidated at the door.
• The rules are targeted and time‑limited, applying only within clearly posted zones and ending after up to four years.
• It balances rights by allowing labour picketing and owner‑approved activities.
• Police and courts get clear tools to act quickly before situations escalate.
• Flexibility in regulations lets government tailor zone size and details to different sites.

Opponents' View#

• The law limits free speech in public spaces near places of worship, including peaceful leafletting or conversations.
• “Interference” (trying to persuade someone not to participate) and “mental safety” could be read broadly, creating uncertainty and uneven enforcement.
• Zones can cover sidewalks and large areas, especially around large properties or multi‑use buildings.
• Courts can grant orders without notice, which some say is unfair and unnecessary given existing laws against harassment and obstruction.
• Small places of worship may face costs or effort to post and maintain signs to activate protection.