Langford council has put off a decision about bylaw changes that would limit members of the public from filming and taking photos in public meetings.
The proposed updates to the council procedure bylaw add more detail on what needs to be included in meeting minutes – a frequent point of contention in past meetings – as well as rules against filming and taking photos (unless council and everyone in the photo gives their approval respectively) during meetings and bringing signs into council chambers.
The changes are needed “to ensure that all members of the public feel safe and welcome in Council Chambers and are comfortable participating in the public debate without fear of being recorded and posted on social media or other websites,” according to a staff report.
First, second and third readings were on the agenda for June 19’s council meeting, but Coun. Mary Wagner moved to remove it, saying she had a number of amendments that would need discussion.
Coun. Kimberly Guiry supported the motion, although she emphasized the urgency of the bylaw as it addressed safety concerns from residents.
“I’ve heard from residents – and that’s plural – that they do not feel safe coming to our meetings to talk to us … for the past eight months we’ve been participating in an unprecedentedly aggressive environment for doing business, particularly for the discourse that happens after council meetings.”
Guiry also asked residents not to film during meetings due to safety concerns people had.
During the June 6 council meeting, public participation was interrupted after Coun. Lillian Spzak asked Langford resident Lisa Foxall to stop filming during the meeting, calling it “disrespectful.”
“What is the difference between watching on Zoom and taking a picture or a video?” Foxall could be heard asking from the gallery.
Tensions have risen between city council – elected in October’s municipal election – and a group of residents angered by changes in city hall, notably resulting in several protests against property tax hikes.
READ MORE: ‘People can’t afford this’: Langford protesters decry proposed tax hike outside city hall
In the June 19 meeting, council approved a social media policy that outlines “clear guidelines” for staff, the public and council on how to communicate appropriately on social media platforms.
“Recently, there has been utterly inappropriate dialogue online, including thinly veiled death threats, to members of council,” Langford Mayor Goodmanson said in a news release. “This is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It is alarming and very disappointing that some members of the public believe it is acceptable to act in such an appalling manner towards elected officials.”
The reach of that policy saw pushback from residents. In the June 19 meeting, Gabe Haythornthwaite said the changes could be used to stop council members publicly disagreeing with a city decision as well as limit feedback from residents.
“I’m starting from the assumption that the social, economic and political problems of the city are to be addressed by more democracy, not less, and that dissent in political debate is essential for a healthy democracy.”
Ultimately, council directed staff to return with a new report for the council procedure bylaw in a month’s time. Council also asked staff look at other municipalities’ bylaws.
READ MORE: Langford council receiving ‘thinly veiled death threats,’ says mayor
READ MORE: ‘Is that a threat?’ Heated moments at Langford council meeting include resident being told to leave
