News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Parsons says increased security measures an attack on democracy

April 19, 2005

"Our caucus was outraged this afternoon when it became apparent that photo ID’s were required in order to enter the public gallery," said Parsons. "As a matter of fact, neither the Official Opposition, nor the New Democratic Party, were consulted about this new security protocol and some visitors were turned away. The House of Assembly is meant to be a place where free thought and expression is protected and these activities are an attack on these basic principles of democracy. I am not aware of this protocol in any other legislature in the country.

"This is the first time such drastic measures have been taken against visitors to the public galleries. Protesting crab fishermen have as much right to enter the gallery as anyone else, yet government treats them like criminals. We will not stand by and allow government to dictate how the people’s House will be run. We are not in a dictatorship and we will not allow the House of Assembly to be run like the Premier runs his government.

"There have been a number of policemen sitting in the galleries over the past number of sittings and government is acting as if we’re living in a police state. The enhanced security for the House of Assembly was ordered without consultation with either opposition party and goes well beyond what would be necessary.

"The Premier should apologize for his attack on crab fishermen who have been staging a peaceful protest in the public gallery. These are hardworking individuals who don’t agree with government’s handling of the crab fishery. They have a right to be in the House of Assembly and we will continue to protect those rights for every Newfoundlander and Labradorian."

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427