Vancouver 2010 Olympic bylaws may restrict free speech

[Tindalos]

Olympic rules may hurt free speech

By BOB MACKIN, 24 HOURS

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association says an Olympian package of bylaw changes effective six weeks before the 2010 Games begin would restrict freedom of speech.

Vancouver city council will consider on Tuesday an omnibus package of temporary changes to laws regulating licensing, graffiti, noise, traffic, vending, taxis, zoning and development and the distribution of publications. The measures would run Jan. 1 to March 31, 2010 in large areas of the city.

BCCLA executive director David Eby said amendments would make it illegal for pizzeria leaflets, sandwich boards and handouts of free newspapers, such as 24 hours.

<snip>

The report claims the bylaw changes are critical to the Games' success for transportation and security planning and to prevent advertising by non-Games' sponsors. It said the bylaws would not impact freedom of political speech or protest.


http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/local/2009/07/20/10190371-sun.html


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Hmmm... "would not impact freedom of political speech or protest", but we won't be able to read about it in the local papers...

[Spazito]

1. I can see some of the bylaw changes as understandable...

ie traffic, taxis but how the hell can they justify TEMPORARY bylaw changes related to graffiti, pamphlets as anything BUT a restriction on free speech.


I think Vancouver City Council is primarily still right-wing, right? I moved from B.C. over three years ago so haven't followed it like I used to.

[Tindalos]

2. The question is where to draw the line

Personally, I think they're being heavy handed. We shouldn't put corporate interests ahead of people's rights. The free papers aren't Olympic sponsors and have been quite critical of the VANOC (the Van. Olympic Committee) and the government/city's handling of the homeless/poor, transit, etc in preparation for the games. That could be one reason those papers are being shut out. Or maybe I need a tinfoil hat.

Here's another one: UBC students who live in residence will have to sign a contract not to post any signs with "false or unauthorized commercial association with the Olympics". If that just means not using the logo without authorization, then fine, but I'm not entirely certain what is restricted by this contract or if it is even legal. It'll probably face a constitutional challenge.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/07/04/bc-civil-liberties-olympics-free-speech.html

The city council changed in the last election. So far, they don't seem very different from their predecessors.

[Spazito]

3. Hmmm, I am beginning to think...

the B.C. government is in deep financial doodoo, deeper than they have publicly admitted, for them to be SO restrictive on what seems to me to be very small stuff. What on earth could a UBC student do, even if they did posts signs such as those now being banned, that could possibly hurt the Olympics bottom line that much?

As to the free papers, etc, again, I have to, again, ask what harm could they do now, the games are ON, they are not being canceled, no matter how any of those writing criticism of the games, it's organizers and the government?

I agree with you this certainly seems VERY heavy handed for little reason.

[Tindalos]

4. Yeah, we're in deep

I've spoken to a few people involved in construction and planning and they've all said the same thing: Over budget and corner-cutting like you wouldn't believe, and it's really going to hit the fan when the bill comes in. It's not all doom and gloom though. At least the construction and investment are keeping the economy afloat. Here's an article discussing some of the economic problems the games face:
Ten signs of emerging trouble at Vancouver 2010 Olympics
http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/insideolympics/archive/2009/07/16/ten-signs-of-emerging-trouble-at-vancouver-2010-olympics.aspx

The advertising/signage restrictions might be part of the deal Vancouver signed to host the Olympics. I'm not sure but I think there have been complaints in previous host countries about rules on advertising and signs that limit free speech. UBC students have a long history of activism and there's an Olympic venue on campus, so maybe someone is trying to preempt any protests. The provincial government is very pro-corporation, so it might just be corporate protectionism run amok. Both the provincial and municipal governments are being very secretive and draconian about it all. I haven't even mentioned their plans for the homeless/poor yet. That's another post entirely.

[arikara]

7. I've heard they are shipping the homeless

off to communities up north. Prince George, Smithers, Terrace etc are allotted a certain number apiece. I guess they didn't have the time... at least didn't think of it on time... to build concentration camps for them. Bastards.

[Tindalos]

8. I'm not sure if that's true or not

They're building more shelters and housing, but not nearly enough to meet the current need for low-rent housing. Plus landlords are evicting tenants so they can "renovate" (throw a coat of paint on the walls) and jack up the rent. Some people are probably leaving town, but I don't know if they are being "shipped" out. The only reference I could find was this rumour from last year based on a comment about sending out-of-province criminals away http://researchblague.wordpress.com/2009/05/07/2010-olympics-homelessness/

In a more recent article, the police say this isn't part of their plan


Homeless relocations part of 2010 Games security plan


Homeless people living close to 2010 Games venues may be asked to relocate or face arrest when fences go up, security officials said today.

“I’m not going to lie to you and tell you there won’t be an impact for them,” deputy police chief Steve Sweeney told reporters and concerned residents at a public information session on 2010 security.

<snip>

Sweeney added there are no plans afoot to move Downtown Eastside locals off the streets in anticipation of 2010.

“We’re not engaging in social cleansing,” he said. </i>

http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/Olympics2010/2009/03/26/homeless-relocations-2010-security/

[arikara]

9. From what I gather its pretty hush-hush

a relative who works for one of the towns up there told me. I'll try to find out more though.

[Tindalos]

10. Thanks

I'd like to know whether rumours like that are true or not. Any info would be appreciated.

[daleo]

5. Swine flu may clobber the Olympics anyway

Next winter may see travel bans, etc.

[Tindalos]

6. It's possible

Let's hope not, for everyone's sake.