WATCH: The Tories are staunchly defending Bill C-51, which was the subject of a topless protest in the House of Commons on Monday. Vassy Kapelos reports.
TORONTO – A female topless protester was removed from the House of Commons Monday morning.
The young woman took off her top and began chanting “C-51 war on freedom.”
The woman was reportedly carried away kicking and screaming by security guards.
House debate was briefly suspended while security handled the protester.
The woman, identified as Neda Topaloski, was transferred to the RCMP.
RCMP said she will not face any charges, but has been banned from being on Parliamentary Precinct for a year.
Topaloski is a part of FEMEN, an international women’s movement known for staging topless protests. In a statement released after Monday’s protest, FEMEN said Bill C-51 “jeopardizes fundamental human rights and the very idea of democracy.”
The statement claims the legislation will not protect Canadians from terrorism, rather “takes on the same position as terrorists by repressing freedom of speech with great violence.”
Thousands have protested the Harper government’s proposed anti-terrorism legislation.
Protests were held across the country last weekend on what organizers called “Defend Our Freedom” national day of action.
The proposed legislation would give authorities more power to detain terror suspects.
But critics say the proposed bill would infringe on Canadians’ civil liberties and right to privacy – especially online.
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