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Protestors worry anti-bullying bylaw might ‘silence youth’

Mar 21, 2016 | 5:05 PM

A small group of protestors gathered outside Saskatoon City Hall on Monday as council debated a proposed anti-bullying bylaw inside.
 
The bylaw would see people aged 12 and older be charged for things like shunning, gossiping and “name calling.”Fines would start at $300 and escalate for repeat offenders.

Aaron Marienepoose, a member of the Circle of Voices theatre group, joined the group protesting against the anti-bullying bylaw. She doesn’t think many people will be able to pay the proposed fines. She also worries the bylaw might silence young people, while giving the police more power.

“The youth are very strong when they have a voice. I would tell the parents is, teach your children to utilize that voice in a powerful, positive way.”

Nineteen-year-old Johannah Angus, also with Circle of Voices, believes the bylaw needs to be properly thought through.