B.C. to bring in safety zones, ban harassment around sites of worship

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is bringing in legislation to prevent intimidation, mental and physical harassment, and obstruction of people from going to their temples, churches and other places of worship.

The 20-metre protection zones for religious sites represent an expansion of rules set up for schools in 2024 to help ensure behaviour in public spaces is safe and respectful.

Premier David Eby says there’s a disturbing trend across different religious groups where people are intimidated away from their places of worship.

Eby says he hopes the legislation sends the same message that was sent when similar legislation was created for schools, which is “give your head a shake, it’s not the best place for your protest.”

Once passed, the legislation would allow police to intervene to curb disruptive behaviour, just as they are under the Safe Access to Schools Act, which passed in 2024.

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While there was a sunset clause on the school legislation, the government also plans to extend that to 2028.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 9, 2026.

The Canadian Press