A coalition of groups is slamming B.C.'s election gag law, calling it an `outrageous' violation of freedom of speech.
The law took effect Friday and places tight restrictions on how much groups and individuals can spend on advertising between now and the election in May.
The B.C. Civil Liberties Association, B.C. Freedom of Information and Privacy Association and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation say the law presents a nightmare of arbitrary enforcement, fines and possible jail sentences.
The groups say the law is so vague that if anyone puts out anything even remotely related to what parties or candidates are saying they could be facing penalties.
Vincent Gogolek of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Association says unlike the federal election law, there is no minimum amount, so even a few dollars of photocopying for neighbourhood flyers could require a person to register with Elections B.C.
The law is being challenged in B.C. Supreme Court, but a ruling isn't expected until after the election.
