Disturbing meeting – Religious Worship:
On Sunday January 3rd 2021 at approximately 10:30 am. A religious service was held at a church on John St. North Aylmer ON. At approximately 11:01 am. Aylmer Police were altered to a disturbance where a male became engaged in a heated verbal confrontation with members of the church on private property of the church. The male proceeded towards the church pulpit area. Using a megaphone the male disrupted the service by shouting obscenities as he proceeded to walk towards the pulpit area. He refused to leave when directed. Aylmer Police spoke to the male and escorted him off the property. Police investigation revealed that the male willfully disrupted the church service. As a result, 34-year-old male from Sparta was charged with Disturb meeting – Religious Worship contrary to Criminal Code section 176(2).
For Aylmer Police, public safety is our priority as is the maintenance of peace and enforcement of laws to protect the citizens of our community. During the last weekend church service, 56% of those in attendance for the service and to counter demonstrate the service were from areas outside of the community of Aylmer. Police would like to remind residents and those visiting our community that Aylmer Police Service respects everyone’s rights to a peaceful assembly for the purposes of freedom of expression and religious beliefs. However, those who choose to engage in unlawful activities and contravene current Emergency Orders will be charged accordingly