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rfmcdonaldIsland blogger Peter Rukavina confirmed the passage of a law, in 1971, that I'd hoped was mythical. Freedom of assembly was annihilated so as to cope with hippies. Author Greg Marquis noted the background.
And the law?
The original text, in image format, is available at Rukavina's website.
The law was repealed inasmuch as the destruction of one of the basic rights of common-law countries was bad public relations and possibly unconstitutional. Nevertheless, it's a rather interesting story.
The event that sparked the national controversy, and prompted a national radio show host to dub Prince Edward Island the “uptight little Island,” was Junction ‘71. Starting in February, two local promoters planned a rock festival at the arena in the village of Parkdale, a Charlottetown suburb that hosted events such as cattle shows and Old Home Week. Given subsequent fears of sex, drugs and rock and roll, the lineup appeared relatively harmless. It consisted of Canadian pop group Edward Bear whose hits included “You, Me and Mexico,” the group Ocean whose song “Put Your Hand in the Hand,” penned by Gene MacLellan, sold two million copies, and folk singer Bruce Cockburn who had performed on the soundtrack of the film Goin’ Down the Road. Also on the bill were Maritime rockers Pepper Tree (“Love Is a Railroad”) and Sam Moon and the Universal Power. The youthful promoters, who thought that they had proceeded through the proper channels, planned to donate 50% of the gate to the Easter Seals Campaign.
And the law?
2. (1) With the approval of the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council the Minister may prohibit any public gathering which in his opinion may contribute to the disruption of public order, or where in his opinion there are insufficient medical services, fire and police protection, sleeping facilities, or other essential services.
(2) Notice of prohibition of a public gathering may be given by the Minister to any person organizing, promoting, participating in or performing in such public gathering by such means as the Minister may in his opinion deem advisable.
3. The Lieutenant Governor-in-Council may pass such regulations as the Minister may deem advisable for the better carrying out of the intention of this Act.
4. Any person who organizes, promotes or advertises a public gathering prohibited pursuant to subsection (1) of section 2, or who performs at such public gathering shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding Five Thousand ($5,000) Dollars and in default of payment thereof to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one (1) year or to both a fine not exceeding Five Thousand ($5,000) Dollars and to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year.
The original text, in image format, is available at Rukavina's website.
The law was repealed inasmuch as the destruction of one of the basic rights of common-law countries was bad public relations and possibly unconstitutional. Nevertheless, it's a rather interesting story.
