Ontario NDP calls for public safety zones for drag performances, LGBTQ2S+ community

Ontario NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam announced on Tuesday morning that she was introducing a private members' bill that would allow the province's attorney general to temporarily designate addresses — such as where a drag show or LGBTQ2 event is taking place — as community safety zones.

Wong-Tam said the move is in response to a "rise in hate" facing the LGBTQ2S community, including drag artists, across both Ontario and the nation, calling it "alarming."

Under the bill, anti-LGBTQ2S harassment, intimidation and hate speech within 100 metres would be subject to a $25,000 fine. The bill would also create an "Ontario 2SLGBTQI+ Safety Advisory Committee" to give recommendations to the provincial government on how to provide better safety.

Drag performer Scarlett Bobo, who also starred on the first season of "Canada's Drag Race" spoke during the press conference with Wong-Tam. She said she deals with "homophobia, hate crimes, and acts of purposeful intent to intimidate and now disqualify who I am as a person and what I do as a job." Bobo said everyone deserves to feel safe and valued in their work.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/9601041/ontario-ndp-legal-protections-drag-performances/
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