18 city complaints, but zero fines, for London's street preachers
Head of city bylaw enforcement said many who complain aren't willing to go to court
London's bylaw enforcement department has received 18 complaints about two men known for preaching on London's streets since January 2016, but none have resulted in a fine, largely because most of those who complain are not willing to attend court.
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Orest Katolyk, the city's chief bylaw enforcement officer, said a fine requires both the complainant and the alleged offender to present their sides in provincial court.
"Many of the people that we spoke with, we explained the process to them and they say 'Yeah, this really shouldn't be going on in today's society, but I really don't want to get involved.'"
At issue are the actions of two men who frequently preach at the corner of Dundas and Richmond streets using an amplifier. CBC published a story in September in response to complaints that the men harangue women, often calling them out for their appearance.
Women with tattoos, short hair cuts or wearing pants complained they were called "abominations" or "whores" by the preachers, identified as Steven Ravbar and Matthew Carapella. One woman who works downtown said she began parking her car in a different spot to avoid having to walk past the men.
The men have also been barred from at least two local churches for confronting parishioners and challenging them about their beliefs during Sunday services.
Court appearance? Many won't bother
The city's streets bylaw prohibits any action that interferes with people's ability to enjoy a public space, including sidewalks. A separate bylaw prohibits similar behaviour in city parks.
But any ticket issued can be challenged in court, where the alleged offender and the person who complained must testify.
Katolyk said some who complain (he would not say exactly how many) aren't willing to go through the court process.
"I have personally witnessed these individuals making comments towards women. I have then talked to those women on the street after identifying myself. I would say overwhelmingly in the majority of cases the people that the comments are made towards, really do not want to get involved."
So despite the 18 complaints the men have not been issued a fine by the city.
Whether or not the men's preaching amounts to hate speech, Katolyk said those complaints are handled by police.
"I do know the police have had complaints also," said Katolyk.
Katolyk said he has no request from council to amend any existing bylaw.
