Public urged to complain if harassed by so-called street preachers
New version of London's nuisance bylaw will be used when investigating complaints.
London bylaw enforcement officers are investigating complaints about two men known in town as street preachers. They stand on street corners with signs and yell at passersby usually targeting women.
"We tell her that a pair of pants is a man's garment and to get to heaven she has to wear a nice, long, modest dress," said Steven Ravbar, one of the preachers. "She's not to cut her hair because the bible says her long hair is her glory."
When they don't approve of an outfit, the men don't hesitate to speak up.
"Sometimes we see a woman with a pair of tights on, we'll say 'ma'am, tights are underwear and you're causing a man to look at you and Jesus says, that's adultery,'" said Ravbar. "So was a woman offended by that, yeah."
That's what happened Monday afternoon resulting in several complaints to city hall.
Investigation underway
"I was out myself and observed, at a couple of street corners, interactions with the public" said Orest Katolyk, Manager of Licensing and Municipal Law Enforcement Services for the city of London.
Katolyk noticed the men's signs and, particularly, that the word 'whore' was prominently displayed.
He's urging members of the public, who are offended, to email the city with a formal complaint. The city can take action now that its public nuisance bylaw has been amended to address street preachers.
"It's specifically to deal with enjoyment of public space and the whole issue of abusive or insulting language," said Katolyk.
The bylaw does not allow for tickets to be issued, said Katolyk. Instead, the accused will have to make a court appearance to answer to any bylaw infraction.
At this point the city is gathering evidence to determine if going to court is warranted.
"We're in an investigative mode right now," said Katolyk. "If we feel the evidence is worthy of a charge we will definitely proceed."
The email address to launch a complaint to the city is enforcement@london.ca
Katolyk said, it would be helpful if people take a written or audio note of the interaction.