Protect Saskatoon from Graphic Images

Mayor Cynthia Block, Saskatoon City Councillors

During the week of August 10, Saskatoon residents were exposed to graphic, misleading images, claiming to be a representation of aborted fetuses. Groups of protesters gathered in high traffic areas and displayed these graphic images, approximately 3-4' in height, in public spaces. Additionally, the same organization distributed pamphlets containing graphic and misleading images, directly to Saskatoon residents' mailboxes. These pamphlets were not placed in an envelope, they did not contain a content warning, nor did they contain any information to identify the organization responsible.

These images are not only misleading, but they are harmful and distressing to anyone who has been forced to view them. Children, a particularly vulnerable group, were exposed, as were women who may have experienced a pregnancy loss of any type or gestation, were unable to opt out of viewing this disturbing and offensive material.

To: Mayor Cynthia Block, Saskatoon City Councillors
From: [Your Name]

During the week of August 10, Saskatoon residents were exposed to graphic and misleading images claiming to represent aborted fetuses. These images were displayed in public areas on placards 3-4 feet in height and pamphlets containing these images, and false information relating to abortion, to Saskatoon mailboxes.

We are passionate about protecting the right to protest; however we have deep concerns regarding the use of graphic and misleading images. People have been harmed by seeing these images, whether children for whom seeing bloody and dismembered body parts is scary, or women who have experienced a pregnancy loss of any form.

We respect that Canadians have and must retain their right to Freedom of Expression, but remind Council that this right is not without limits. Rulings on this matter in Canada have found that Freedom of Expression can be limited specifically with respect to this type of graphic imagery in order to protect the public from harm and provide a safe environment within the municipality. Decisions have also highlighted that public display of graphic images constitutes forced listening or a captive environment which is antithetical to the fundamental principles of Freedom of Expression.

We are calling on Saskatoon City Council to pass a bylaw to protect Saskatoon residents from these graphic images. This bylaw must include:

* Definition of a graphic image to denote a visual image that offends the standards of public decency prevailing among a significant segment of the population, or showing or purporting to show a fetus, or any part of a fetus, aborted or not.
* Defines a distributor as any person, owner/director of a business, company, or organization that distributes, permits to be distributed, causes to be distributed, or displays any material containing such graphic images
* Prohibition to display such images in any public place in the City of Saskatoon
* Prohibition to distribute such images unless in a sealed and opaque envelope, the exterior of the envelope contains a warning identifying the contents of the envelope as containing a graphic image which may be offensive or disturbing, and the exterior of the envelope clearly identifies the sender and senders address.
* Fines for offenders, increasing in value for subsequent offences

We know that Saskatoon City Council is committed to ensuring every Saskatoon resident feels welcome, supported, and empowered, which is why we are calling on you to enact this bylaw to protect Saskatoon residents from being subject to graphic imagery, whether in public spaces or delivered to their mailbox.

We look forward to your prompt action on this important topic.