Pro-Palestinian protests in Surrey, British Columbia have led the city council to restrict public access to its meetings. The decision comes after persistent disruptions from pro-Palestine protesters, who have been blockading lawful activities since December. Mayor Brenda Locke announced that while the public will still be allowed to attend meetings, they will be restricted to outside the gallery on city premises. The council has implemented additional safety measures, including increased security and a police presence, to ensure the safety of attendees and maintain order during the meetings.
The city council of Surrey, British Columbia has taken measures to restrict public access to its meetings in response to ongoing disruptions caused by pro-Palestine protesters. The decision was made due to escalating protests that have been taking place since December and have been causing disruptions during council meetings. Mayor Brenda Locke announced that the public will still be allowed to attend meetings, but they will be restricted to outside the gallery on city premises. This move is aimed at ensuring the safety of attendees and maintaining order during the meetings.
The council has also implemented additional safety measures, including increased security and a police presence, to address the disruptive nature of the protests. While the council respects the right to protest, it does not tolerate blockading lawful activities. The restrictions on public access to meetings reflect the council's efforts to strike a balance between allowing public participation and maintaining the smooth functioning of council proceedings.
The decision by the Surrey city council highlights the challenges faced by local governments in managing protests and maintaining public order. The ongoing pro-Palestine protests have created a difficult situation for the council, necessitating measures to ensure the safety and efficiency of their meetings. The council's response underscores the need for effective strategies to address disruptions caused by protests while respecting the right to peaceful assembly and free expression.
Sources:
- [Yahoo News](https://ca.news.yahoo.com/surrey-b-c-council-restricts-180348009.html)