Reuters reports that the suit, filed by the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, seeks to strike down laws that were passed by Vancouver city officials for organisers who say they are required to protect the social atmosphere in the city at Games time and fight “ambush” marketing.
“The bylaw is an affront to free speech. Its purpose and effect is to limit citizens' rights to express dissenting views and to hear dissenting views on public property,” said David Eby, the association's executive director.
There have been complaints in the local media that police are harassing people for information on protests that might be planned around next February’s Games.
Meanwhile in Copenhagen, Vancouver organising committee chief John Furlong assured the IOC that the Games would deliver everything it had promised, within budget.
“Everything that needed to be prepared is finished,” he said, adding that organisers were now involved in tests and simulations for the Games.
“We feel good not having to worry about infrastructure. We can spend our time now trying to make an exciting, fun event.”
