Temporary bans to Province House issued to dozens of Nova Scotians after a protest last spring have been rescinded.
The move from Speaker Danielle Barkhouse comes before legislature resumes for the fall sitting on Tuesday and allows full access for the 36 people involved.
In a statement on Friday, Barkhouse says she made the decision after hearing from constituents and others around the province including the Nova Scotia Arts Coalition, opposition caucuses and government.
“Recognizing the broad consensus among the members of the House in opposition to the temporary bans and motivated by the spirit of constructive engagement and conciliation advocated by many I have spoken with, including the arts community, I have decided to rescind the bans unconditionally,” Barkhouse said.
However, the Speaker says she remains concerned about what happened last spring.
In March, protestors sang and then yelled in the gallery over a slew of budget cuts, including a large amount to arts and culture. It delayed passing a vote by one day.
She says protests are a natural and healthy part of democracy but demonstrations inside the gallery that prevent the House from doing its work are not acceptable.
“There is nothing democratic about this,” says Barkhouse. “The actions of the disruptors must not be condoned.”
Barkhouse says people are welcome to demonstrate on the sidewalks around Province House, as they always have been.
She says she is putting faith in the formerly banned people to follow the gallery rules and not engage in demonstrations or disruptive behaviour inside the legislative precinct.
Rules updated for visitors
Barkhouse says gallery rules have been modernized, clarified and aligned with practices from the Parliament of Canada and other provincial and territorial legislatures.
The rules will be posted inside and outside the gallery and handed out to every visitor.
Barkhouse says visitors should review and follow the rules to make sure everyone can watch proceedings.
Speaker warns disruptions will not be tolerated
The Speaker says anyone who disrupts the gallery during this sitting will be removed.
If disruptions continue outside the gallery, people may be removed from the precinct.
Barkhouse says recurring or persistent disruptions could lead to future bans from the gallery or legislative precinct.
“I will not tolerate disruptions of the House and breaches of the gallery rules,” Barkhouse said.
