Among prominent Canadian protesters was British Columbia NDP MP Catherine Bell, here holding the Human Rights Torch on May 14 on Parliament Hill next to a banner that carries the message, "The Olympics and crimes against humanity cannot coexist in China." Would this demonstration be disallowed? (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)
The suit filed by the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association on behalf of two vocal opponents of the Games, seeks to strike down an ordinance recently enacted by city officials on behalf of Olympic organizers.
"We are all victims under the same CCP," said Kalsang Tsomo, president of the Tibetan Women Association of Ontario, standing in front of a banner calling for human rights ahead of the Beijing Olympics. (Sonya Bryskine/The Epoch Times)
"The bylaw is an affront to free speech. Its purpose and effect is to limit citizens' rights to express dissenting views and to hear dissenting views on public property," David Eby, the association's executive director said.
Many Canadians protested the Chinese regime hosting the Olympics. Here British Columbia NDP MP Bill Siksay calls for human rights in China ahead of the 2008 Olympics. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)
The city said it studied the potential impact on political expression in drafting the bylaws, and is confident they will withstand the legal challenge.
"Some people don't believe us, but the fact is we respect free speech," said City Counciler Geoff Meggs.
The Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), which is not named in the lawsuit, declined comment.
VANOC has said it has no plans to limit free speech during the Games, but needs to protect the social atmosphere near competition venues to allow both athletes and spectators to enjoy the event.
Organizers say they also needs protection against "ambush marketing" by companies and groups that have not paid to be official sponsors.
