The Government of British Columbia plans to introduce new legislation aimed at protecting schools and places of worship from disruptions and harassment. The proposed laws are designed to ensure that students, educators, and faith communities can access these spaces safely and without intimidation.
Premier David Eby said the measures are meant to protect environments where people should feel secure. According to the province, there have been increasing incidents where schools and religious sites have been targeted by protests or disruptive behaviour. The government says the new laws will help maintain safe and respectful spaces for learning and worship.
Two pieces of legislation are expected to be introduced: Bill 12, which would extend the existing Safe Access to Schools Act, and Bill 13, the Safe Access to Places of Public Worship Act. If approved, the laws would create or expand “access zones” around schools and religious buildings. Within these zones, certain disruptive actions such as blocking entrances, intimidation, or harassment would not be allowed.
The Safe Access to Schools Act, introduced in 2024, created a 20-metre buffer zone around schools where disruptive activities are restricted. The province says the number of protests outside schools has decreased since the law was implemented, but incidents still occur. Since 2023, more than 40 protests have taken place outside K-12 schools across the province, sometimes requiring police intervention.
The proposed legislation would extend these protections for schools until July 2028. It would also introduce similar protections for places of worship, including churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and gurdwaras. If passed, religious institutions could mark access zones where disruptive behaviour would be prohibited.
Officials say the goal is to ensure children can attend school and people can practice their faith without fear or interference. The government also noted that the legislation will include review periods to ensure the measures remain balanced and necessary in the future.
