Question about possible protest action

[TG123]

Has anyone here ever taken part in a protest action in front of a store or business?

I lead a Christian human rights group on campus and one issue we plan to address this year is sexual exploitation of women and children in our city and province.I believe the problem exists to a great extent because in our society unfortunately by many premarital sex is seen as 'normal' and the mainstream media and often glorifies sex and shows women as objects. Pornography definitely plays a large role.

There is an 'adult video store' close to our university, which is btw located in the inner city, one of the poorest parts of Winnipeg. We are planning some kind of public action on or near its premises to raise awareness to the dangers of pornography- not only spiritual for the person watching it but also for his/her family and people who may be hurt by him/her- most sexual offenders begin by getting hooked on this stuff and then act out their 'fantasies'- either by making use of the so-called 'sex trade' or assault on unwilling women and often children.

In Manitoba, thousands of young women and girls are victims of the sexual exploitation, most are coerced or forced into prostitution- either being 'sold' on the streets or victimized in private homes. Many kids who are exploited are homeless, and some exchange their bodies for basic needs like food or shelter. Most women in Manitoba who are involved in prostitution have been victimized when they were as young as 14

http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childfam/strategy_on_sexual_exploitation.html

We would like to target this place. We are planning to stand outside of the store and hand out tracts to passersby about pornography and sexual exploitation in this country. Or hold a prayer service for victims of the sex trade. Or a petition asking for pornography to be made illegal in Canada.

I was wondering if you think this would be legal, and if not what could the consequences be. I am afraid that we could be sued for taking part in this, and was wondering if anyone here has ever been involved in an action targetting a business and what happened. I am thinking of talking to the police before we do anything. We are not planning anything violent against the people who work there or to destroy any property.

If we cannot actually protest near the store, in the worst case we will do something regarding this issue on campus, but it would be much more effective to actually carry out the action beside the store itself.

Anyways, I was wondering what do people here think? Any ideas/comments/suggestions/caution/criticisms would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and God bless you.

Cristo Vive!
- Tomasz

 

[2writeabout]

hi Tomasz
As people living in a democracry it is important we use the rights we have including the right to protest. re the legality of a protest, that is something you would need to check out with the police department - here in Australia approval from police is needed for public protest especially any that will use their resources eg police presence, road management.

The behaviour of protesters is sometimes the unpredictable element of a public protest, I have been on protest marches where every man and his dog with a grievance has joined in, usually with no problems, but with the potential for problems. It can also harm the case being argued, in your case against exploitation of women and girls.

Can you make use of humour in your protest? Can you perhaps highlight some element of the issue with comedic dress/skit? This will attract people who may find themselves laughing about something, seeing the absurdity of something and go away thinking a little deeper about the issue.

Anyway, should your 'fight' be taken to a video store? Surely that's the low end of the issue. What about those who fund such operations, big business and corporations, media which promotes and promulgates the material? What about addressing the social and material deprivations that often result in women 'selling' themselves so they and/or their family can survive? I would be wary of focusing on the symptoms without actually addressing and exposing the root causes.

Here in Australia there is currently very lively interest in the sexualisation of children through media, advertising etc. Unions, welfare agencies, religious organisations and community groups have begun to speak out about the issue using a variety of channels. There is exploration happening of both 'why' children have been exploited and 'why' we ie society have not until recently seen it as an issue.

All the best.

Karen

 

[rocklife]

I think having some pamphlets or print up fliers to help explain your points will be helpful also in getting your message across. getting a credible person to look it over will help you also, I'm sure

I don't know the legal issues, especially not being in Canada myself, but if you have freedom of speech, do it in gentleness and be cooperative as much as possible, and I hope things go well.

 

[GregorytheGood]

I cannot say I fully agree with your protest, but I can say that it is fully legal.
I often Protest with a local animal rights group against a store that continues to sell animal furs. As far as I know, as long as you are on the sidewalk and not obstructing the entrance, you are fine. Talking to the police is unnecessary, but may be beneficial. The store does NOT own the sidewalk, and you are allowed demonstrations.

 

[AMOG]

TG123....

Just keep in mind that "Gregory The Good" is one of those proud Texans that believes his laws also apply in the "North 40" (Canada).

Check with somebody who knows your local laws. But if you have the right to protest, and you believe in this strongly, then by all means, do what you can.

(just razzing you Greg) WhoooooP!!!!!

 

[gluadys]

Has anyone here ever taken part in a protest action in front of a store or business?

I lead a Christian human rights group on campus and one issue we plan to address this year is sexual exploitation of women and children in our city and province.I believe the problem exists to a great extent because in our society unfortunately by many premarital sex is seen as 'normal' and the mainstream media and often glorifies sex and shows women as objects. Pornography definitely plays a large role.

There is an 'adult video store' close to our university, which is btw located in the inner city, one of the poorest parts of Winnipeg. We are planning some kind of public action on or near its premises to raise awareness to the dangers of pornography- not only spiritual for the person watching it but also for his/her family and people who may be hurt by him/her- most sexual offenders begin by getting hooked on this stuff and then act out their 'fantasies'- either by making use of the so-called 'sex trade' or assault on unwilling women and often children.

In Manitoba, thousands of young women and girls are victims of the sexual exploitation, most are coerced or forced into prostitution- either being 'sold' on the streets or victimized in private homes. Many kids who are exploited are homeless, and some exchange their bodies for basic needs like food or shelter. Most women in Manitoba who are involved in prostitution have been victimized when they were as young as 14

http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childfam/strategy_on_sexual_exploitation.html

We would like to target this place. We are planning to stand outside of the store and hand out tracts to passersby about pornography and sexual exploitation in this country. Or hold a prayer service for victims of the sex trade. Or a petition asking for pornography to be made illegal in Canada.

I was wondering if you think this would be legal, and if not what could the consequences be. I am afraid that we could be sued for taking part in this, and was wondering if anyone here has ever been involved in an action targetting a business and what happened. I am thinking of talking to the police before we do anything. We are not planning anything violent against the people who work there or to destroy any property.

If we cannot actually protest near the store, in the worst case we will do something regarding this issue on campus, but it would be much more effective to actually carry out the action beside the store itself.

Anyways, I was wondering what do people here think? Any ideas/comments/suggestions/caution/criticisms would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and God bless you.

Cristo Vive!
- Tomasz

You have a legal right to be on the sidewalk as long as you do not block traffic or prevent anyone from going into the store.

I participated in a protest once in a shopping mall. That was illegal as a shopping mall is private, not public, property.

However, we just handed out as many pamphlets as we could before security was called, and once security arrived and asked us to leave, we did so peacefully. So there were no arrests.

Most protests do not need to be illegal, though and this doesn't sound illegal. If the crowd of protesters is likely to be large, it is a good idea to notify the police as a courtesy. And essential if crowd control or traffic management is required.