Edmonton is prepared to get tough on harassment based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity, with an updated public places bylaw that makes harassment an offence. Scott McKeen had suggested the changes in April, following a string of incidents in Edmonton where Muslim women were targets of public threats and assaults. "Because our Edmonton would suggest that that's not right or fair or proper that some Edmontonians face racial discrimination or discrimination based on faith, gender identity, sexual orientation." Actions deemed an offence under the revised bylaw would be in relation to race, religious beliefs, colour, disability, age, marital status, family status, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Administration said it had received input from the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee, the Edmonton Youth Council, the Women's Advocacy Voice of Edmonton Committee, and the City of Edmonton Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Source: CBC News August 12, 2021 00:56 UTC