Toronto: Two cities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) passed motions on Wednesday banning protests near places of worship.

A motion in this regard was first adopted by Mississauga city council. The motion was proposed by municipal councilor Dipika Damerla. Ten council members voted in favor and none against. After its passage, Damerla posted on That’s leadership.”

The motion said city staff would be asked to “examine the feasibility of implementing a bylaw prohibiting demonstrations within 100 meters, or a reasonable distance, of a place of worship as soon as possible.”

A similar motion was also passed later in the day by Brampton City Council.

Mississauga’s motion was introduced by Damerla, a former provincial minister, and seconded by her colleague Natalie Hart.

It followed the violent attack by pro-Khalistan radicals on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 3, even as they were protesting against a consular camp on the temple premises run by officials of the Indian consulate in Toronto.

Following this violent incident, counter-protests took place that night at the Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sabha gurdwara in Malton. The Hindu Sabha Mandir witnessed a rally against violence the next day.

The Mississauga motion stated: “Such protests outside places of worship, even when peaceful, can create an intimidating barrier that must be crossed to gain access to the place of worship. »

Among those who appeared before the council before the motion was passed was Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce president Kushagr Sharma. Sharma said they “fully support” the decision. “Following the attack on worshipers at the Hindu Sabha temple last week, it is clear that these spaces must remain sanctuaries of worship and reflection, free from violence and intimidation,” he added.

He also said: “This measure will help foster a respectful and inclusive environment, allowing everyone to practice their faith in peace and security. »

Two Greater Toronto Area temples, Brampton Triveni Mandir and Toronto Kali Bari in Mississauga, announced Monday they were canceling consular camps planned for this weekend due to concerns about security.

On Tuesday, Canadian law enforcement said it had not received any reports of “direct threats” against places of worship in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), but Indian consular camps were “postponed” for “allow tensions to ease”.

This is according to Peel Regional Police (PRP) in a news release released Wednesday. He said: “Peel Regional Police are aware of community concerns, particularly in places of worship, regarding protests and perceived threats. Peel Regional Police would like to clarify that we have not received any direct threats against any place of worship in Peel Region. Peel Region includes the cities of Brampton and Mississauga.

In its statement, PRP said it was in contact “with the Consul General of India, as well as places of worship and community centers to work collaboratively to mitigate risks to the community.”

He adds: “Given the current tension in the community and a common interest in maintaining public safety, the organizers have agreed that the consular camps be postponed to a later date to help ease tensions and limit any impact negative on the community. »

It also said it had increased its presence around places of worship to “reassure the public” and was “actively engaging” with community leaders, organizations and local stakeholders “to address security concerns and ease tensions.