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Calgary’s Protected and Inclusive Entry bylaw violates freedom of faith, a former failed mayoral candidate says.
Larry Heather, who was ticketed throughout an anti-Studying with Royalty occasion final April 15, desires a metropolis choose to search out the bylaw violates his Constitution rights, together with freedom of expression.
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Heather was in Calgary Courtroom of Justice Wednesday, the place an affidavit he drafted admitting his protesting was entered into an exhibit.
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Heather was additionally cross-examined by Metropolis of Calgary lawyer Chris Ghesquiere over a number of protests the religious Christian has participated in in opposition to the occasions held at numerous public libraries throughout the town.
Ghesquiere requested if throughout one protest in opposition to the readings by drag kings or queens to youngsters Heather might need made reference by means of a megaphone to “a intercourse pervert was studying tales to youngsters.”
“That might’ve been an announcement,” Heather replied.
In his affidavit, which permits Justice Peter Barley to search out Heather did actually breach the bylaw resulting in his constitutional argument, the accused mentioned the readings offended his non secular beliefs.
“I used to be alerting passersby that the Studying with Royalty occasion was occurring contained in the Calgary Central Library,” he mentioned of his conduct on April 15, earlier than he was ticketed.
“I used to be there protesting in opposition to the Studying with Royalty occasion on the Calgary Central Library in accordance with my non secular beliefs … in addition to exercising my proper to free expression, and spreading the phrase of the bible.
“I used to be additionally exercising my proper to peaceable meeting on a public road with the opposite folks there in protest.”
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Heather mentioned his group of a half-dozen protesters did nothing to threaten anybody collaborating within the library studying.
“At no time did I incite violence, or make any threats of violence in opposition to anybody,” he wrote.
The case has been adjourned to June when Barley is predicted to listen to from a Crown professional upfront of arguments from counsel.
KMartin@postmedia.com
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