Fines for drinking, but not for drug use?!
It's a big score, the editor has read it several times, and this news has really refreshed my three views.
In November 2023, the B.C. Legislature passed a bill that prohibits drug use in public and imposes fines and imprisonment on addicts who refuse to comply.
This made many Vancouverites breathe a sigh of relief, I finally don't have to watch those addicts flying in the clouds at the children's playground and the door of various buildings.
Who would have thought that today the BC Provincial Court directly banned this bill, because if they are not allowed to use drugs in public, they will easily suck to death if they hide and smoke!
On October 5, 2023, B.C. Premier David Eby issued new regulations banning drug use in public places across the province.
"Drugs are killing too many people, and we need to do everything we can to save lives and help more people with drug addiction get treatment. ”
"Most people in B.C. think that addicts have health problems, so none of us want to see people gather in public places to take drugs, especially where children play. ”
"That's why we ban drug use in public, we ban alcohol and smoking in public, we want to help people feel safe in the community, and we help people find safer spaces. ”
The legislation was quickly passed in November.
In a society where everyone over the age of 18 can carry 2.5g of drugs, this is already a fairly reasonable ban.
B.C. prohibits drug use in public and recreational settings, including the following locations:
- a six-metre radius from the entrance to the building, including corporate and residential buildings;
- Within six meters of the bus stop;
- Within 15 meters of playgrounds, fountains, wading pools and skate parks;
- In parks, beaches and sports fields.
Once someone takes drugs in public, the police can expel them, arrest or fine them, or even seize and destroy their drugs.
If these people do not accept the expulsion, the police can also directly fine them $2,000 and impose a 6-month prison sentence on the offender.
As a mother, I raise my hands in support of this regulation, and I really don't want to see addicts on my child's playground.
However, just today (December 29), the British Columbia Provincial Court banned this statute directly!
even issued a warning that this regulation will bring irreparable damage!
And threatens that this statute violates the Canadian Constitution in a number of ways!
Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson said in his judgment on Friday (December 29):
"We have to admit that it is very dangerous to use drugs alone in the event of an overdose, or lack of support!"
"When people are isolated and invisible, they have a much higher risk of dying from drug overdoses. ”
However, the judge's ban on this statute is only until March 31, 2024.
In other words, the judge hopes that the legislature will give more consideration to whether it is really right to prohibit drug use in public.
Anyone who lives in Vancouver knows that British Columbia also does not allow tobacco, alcohol, marijuana to be used in public.
Many smokers smoke cigarettes after a few meters away from the gate.
So why do drugs have special treatment?
This approach of the BC Provincial Court has caused a lot of heated discussions among netizens, and everyone is on the side of opposition:
"It reminds me of one time in Vancouver, where I saw a couple of people who had drunk and were fined $255, but just 3 meters away from them was a guy who was knocking on amphetamines, and the police didn't care. ”
"Can the B.C. courts contribute to the community? Not at all. ”
"So I can drink on the beach now?!"
"Yes, remember to bring some drugs so you won't be fined. ”
"Stupid judges, once again obstructing the public interest, who cares about those "irreparable harms", what does the irreparable damage caused by drug addicts themselves have to do with our public space!
"I believe they didn't think about the freedom to smoke fentanyl on the playground when they wrote the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the '80s......
"Can you let these addicts take drugs in this judge's house, in the office, in the neighborhood? ”
"This guy was farting, I saw someone taking drugs on the bench next to the kindergarten and next to it were 3 or 4 year olds playing there!"
"I sympathize with these people who fight drugs, but their rights are not higher than others!"
What do you guys think?