Protecting fundamental freedoms is crucial to ensuring all people in Canada can engage in public discourse, challenge systems of oppression, and sustain a healthy democracy. This has been a guiding pillar for our work at the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA). Everyone should have the right to exercise their Charter-protected rights and freedoms without fear of reprisal, regardless of politics, race, or religion.

However, government officials, police, and leaders across sectors continue to suppress support for the people of Palestine despite warnings from experts and the International Court of Justice that have identified Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza as a plausible case of genocide against Palestinians. Conflating criticism of the state of Israel, calls for the protection of Palestinian human rights, and advocacy for a cease-fire with expressions of hate and antisemitism has chilling effects on Freedom of Expression and Assembly, academic freedom, and continues to fuel anti-Palestinian racism in Canada.

Defending Palestinian Freedom of Expression

Since October 2023, the BCCLA has actively confronted police departments, government ministries, elected officials, and universities that have targeted protestors and supporters of Palestine.

Opposition to the IHRA definition of antisemitism

The BCCLA has a history of standing up for fundamental freedoms and speaking out against government adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which willfully conflates hate and antisemitism with criticism of the state of Israel.

Support Fundamental Freedoms for All

Our commitment to defending our collective rights and freedoms remains unwavering. The BCCLA will continue to be responsive and advocate for those whose rights have been suppressed or inappropriately punished because of speaking out in support of the Palestinian liberation movement.