Don’t be rude to Hamilton city council

Hamilton city council is causing controversy after proposing changes to its procedural bylaw, which governs how city hall meetings operate.

The new proposed bylaw states anyone who “speaks disrespectfully” to council may be booted from its public meetings.

But some residents say that would violate people’s right to criticize their government.

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The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects people who criticize government decisions.

In the new proposed bylaw, presenters, councillors and audience members also can’t use “offensive words or unparliamentary language in or against council or any city employee.”

It also expands the mayor’s powers by giving him voting rights.

City staff will take another look at the draft bylaw before councillors vote on it.