Social media’s latest viral trend made its way to Vancouver on Saturday afternoon, when police say hundreds of people — mostly youths — tried to force their way into the city’s Church of Scientology building.
The Vancouver Police Department said that at about 3 p.m. local time, officers received reports that between 250 and 300 people were congregating and attempting to “gain entry” into Scientology’s premises along West Hastings Street at the corner of Homer Street.
Vancouver-based criminal lawyer Kyla Lee said speedrunning, or acts like it, can have unintended legal implications for those involved.
“Not only could they face civil consequences, in terms of being issued a trespass notice under B.C.’s Trespass Act and being sued under B.C.’s Trespass Act, but they could also face criminal charges for engaging in behaviour that interferes with the lawful use and enjoyment of property used for religious purposes,” she said.
Lee said those who participate in speedrunning events might think of their actions as innocuous, but “legally, it’s not as simple as just running into the building and running out the other side.”
“That building is a place that is recognized as a place of religious worship for the Scientology community. And even if you don’t agree with Scientology practices, they still must be respected in their right to practise their religion, just like anybody else,” she explained.
Lee cautions those who are thinking of participating in any kind of social media trends or viral videos.
“Would you want someone doing this trend to you? And if the answer is no, you don’t want someone running through your house or you don’t want somebody you know dunking you with a bucket of ice water without warning or anything like that, you probably shouldn’t be doing it,” she said.
