Pastor Derek Reimer, 38, of Calgary was arrested Tuesday after refusing to issue an apology ordered by the court regarding his recent protest against a kid-friendly Drag Queen Story Hour event at a local library. This incident underscores a growing debate over free speech and public gatherings in Canada.

The latest chapter in what some are calling “dead” Free Speech involves Reimer, whose conditional sentence order (CSO) was imposed last December after he was convicted of harassing a librarian related to her branch’s hosting of a drag reading event. On Tuesday, Provincial Court Justice Brandy Shaw found that Reimer had breached his CSO by protesting on the courthouse steps earlier this year while on house arrest.

This is not the first time Reimer has faced legal consequences for his actions. In the spring of 2023, he was arrested three times within five weeks during protests against Reading With Royalty events—a series of children’s story readings featuring drag performers at Calgary Public Library branches. While initially convicted on two sets of charges related to those incidents—including criminal harassment—Reimer was later acquitted by Judge Allan Fradsham on mischief and causing a disturbance charges stemming from an event at the Seton Library in February 2023.

During his arrest, Reimer reportedly refused to comply with a court order to apologize for disrupting library events. His refusal led to further legal action, including his release on Tuesday following what the court termed a “time-served” sentence.

The incident highlights tensions surrounding free speech and public protests in Canada, particularly when demonstrators refuse to adhere to court orders related to their activities.