Montreal anti-insult bylaw faces court challenge over free expression

Two legal rights groups in Montreal are asking Quebec Superior Court to strike down a new city bylaw that bans insulting police officers and other municipal workers, arguing it goes too far and violates freedom of expression. The challenge was filed by the Association des juristes progressistes and the Clinique juridique de SaintMichel, which say the rule is broad enough to cover criticism, protests, and political speech. The bylaw, adopted on Sept. 21, also covers harassment, threats, abuse, intimidation, and other offensive or aggressive conduct. The groups say the measure was approved quickly and without public consultation. They are asking the court to suspend the bylaw while the constitutional case moves forward. A judge is scheduled to hear the request for a stay and an expedited hearing on Oct. 9.