In what has been seen as yet another capitulation to Khalistani extremists, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown’s recently passed by-law has drawn sharp criticism for failing to protect religious minorities, particularly the Hindu community. The by-law, which ostensibly aims to shield places of worship from disruptive protests, is riddled with a loophole that allows protests against foreign governments to occur near such locations.
This loophole has rendered the legislation practically toothless. Khalistani groups, notorious for cloaking anti-Hindu rhetoric under the guise of anti-India protests, can continue to target places of worship with impunity. Critics argue that the by-law serves as a symbolic gesture rather than offering meaningful protection, leaving religious communities vulnerable to harassment and intimidation.
The issue came to a head following the violent events of November 3 and 4, where Khalistani agitators attacked devotees at the HIndu Sabha Mandir in Brampton. The attacks galvanized the Indian community to demand action. However, the subsequent by-law, passed by Brampton City Council on November 20, has been widely criticized as a performative measure designed to placate all sides rather than addressing the core issue.
MASSIVE brawl at a Hindu Temple in Brampton after Khalistani lunatics showed up to protest in front
— The Pleb 🌍 Reporter (@truckdriverpleb) November 3, 2024
Who else is fed up of seeing foreign conflicts resulting in violence in our streets
STOP ruining my country over bullshit that has nothing to do with Canada pic.twitter.com/mbYcMO3FoQ
Unlike Brampton, other municipalities, such as Vaughan, Ontario, have introduced more robust legislation. Vaughan’s by-law explicitly prohibits protests near places of worship without exceptions, effectively balancing citizens’ rights to demonstrate with the need to safeguard sacred spaces. In contrast, Brampton’s version appears to be a concession to Khalistani groups, raising concerns about political appeasement at the expense of minority safety.
Religious leaders and advocacy groups, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), have expressed outrage over Mayor Brown’s failure to ensure equal protection for all communities. “This is not the first time the community has been targeted. Performative politics won’t solve systemic issues of Hinduphobia,” CoHNA stated. The organization called for decisive action to close legislative loopholes and create policies that genuinely protect all religious groups from harassment.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has failed #CanadianHindus once again. His newly passed by-law, which purports to protect places of worship from raucous protesters, is a mere façade designed to appease Khalistani extremists under the guise of neutrality. On November 20, Brampton… pic.twitter.com/9LNQUrHKTm
— CoHNA Canada (@CoHNACanada) November 24, 2024
Adding to the community’s concerns, Mississauga’s city council is currently debating a similar by-law. Advocates hope it will avoid the pitfalls of Brampton’s legislation, though Mayor Carolyn Parrish’s history of controversial remarks about temples during the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked skepticism. Parrish previously suggested that temples were unsuitable for humanitarian work, a comment many viewed as discriminatory and revealing a troubling bias.
The Indian community is now urging Canadian leaders to rise above political expediency and take real steps to curb extremism. This includes closing loopholes in local by-laws, ending selective enforcement of policies, and ensuring equal protection for all religious groups. “Canada prides itself on multiculturalism and inclusivity,” one community leader remarked. “Yet when it comes to addressing Hinduphobia and extremism, these values seem to take a backseat.”
The controversy highlights a growing divide in Canadian politics as officials struggle to balance the rights of all communities in the face of escalating tensions. As Khalistani extremists continue to exploit legal gaps to advance their agenda, the community’s call for action remains urgent and resolute: it is time for Canada to move beyond rhetoric and ensure the dignity, safety, and equality of all its citizens.
