B.C. government proposes laws to extend safe-access zones for schools and places of worship 

March 9,2026

RED FM News Desk

The B.C. government is introducing new measures to strengthen safety at schools and places of worship, aiming to protect students, educators, and faith communities from harassment, intimidation, and disruptive behaviour. 

Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of allowing children to learn and people to worship without interference, noting recent incidents targeting schools and religious sites. The government plans to table two bills: Bill 12, the Safe Access to Schools Amendment Act, and Bill 13, the Safe Access to Places of Public Worship Act (SAPPWA). 

If passed, Bill 12 would extend the 2024 Safe Access to Schools Act (SASA) to ensure students, staff, parents, and caregivers can access schools without obstruction, while SAPPWA would establish similar protections for mosques, temples, gurdwaras, synagogues, and churches. Both bills allow police to intervene within designated 20-metre “access zones” to prevent harmful or disruptive behaviour. 

Attorney General Niki Sharma said the laws aim to make students, educators, and faith communities feel safe, respected, and welcome. Despite a decrease in school disruptions since SASA was introduced, more than 40 protest-related interruptions have occurred since 2023, prompting the extension of protections. 

SAPPWA responds to rising vandalism and other disruptions at religious sites. Eligible places of worship could post signage marking access zones, and police could arrest or ticket anyone interfering within those zones. Both bills include sunset clauses requiring future reassessment: Bill 12 would extend SASA to 2028, and SAPPWA would be reviewed in 2030, with protections effective immediately upon royal assent. 

The legislation builds on prior laws, such as the Access to Services (COVID-19) Act and the Access to Abortion Services Act, reinforcing the government’s commitment to keeping public spaces safe. 

Quick Facts: 

• An access zone is an area where specified harmful or disruptive behaviours are prohibited. 

• Engaging in such behaviours within the zone can be an offence. 

• Police can be contacted to intervene if anyone’s behaviour within the zone poses a risk to others.