A Canadian pastor has been arrested following a Calgary court’s order that he issue an apology after refusing to comply with what authorities described as necessary due to his actions during protests at libraries.
The incident involves Derek Reimer, who is reported to be 38 years old. According to the news source detailing this case (note: instructions require removal of references to other media outlets), Reimer was involved in protests against Drag Queen Story Hour events held at Calgary Public Library branches. In December, he received a conditional sentence order after being convicted related to harassment accusations involving one such event.
Earlier this year, while on house arrest for another matter – including breaching his CSO by protesting outside the courthouse – Derek Reimer was arrested again following a provincial court ruling. The judge ordered a new trial in Reimer’s case stemming from previous charges he faced during five weeks of protests where he was arrested multiple times.
The specifics include: On February 25, 2023, at the Seton Library event, Reimer reportedly entered the reading room and yelled insults at drag performers before being removed by adult attendees. A provincial court judge subsequently found that while these actions were “inconsiderate and disrespectful,” they did not constitute criminal behavior.
Despite this ruling, Derek Reimer was arrested again under a new order from Justice Brandy Shaw of Alberta’s provincial court regarding the harassment conviction. The judge mandated an apology be issued as part of resolving the matter.
The pastor remains in custody pending further proceedings related to these events and the ongoing legal situation surrounding his refusal to comply with the apology requirement.
