TDF continues to support Pastor Derek Reimer in his retrial over charges tied to his 2023 protest at a Calgary Public Library drag queen story hour, calling the case a key free-speech battle.
CALGARY: The Democracy Fund (TDF) continues its legal support for Pastor Derek Reimer after he successfully defended criminal charges laid following a peaceful protest.
In February 2023, Pastor Reimer peacefully protested "Reading with Royalty," a drag queen story hour targeting children at a Calgary public library. He was ejected from the premises and subsequently charged with criminal mischief and causing a disturbance. The matter was tried in May, 2025. Justice Fradsham acquitted Pastor Reimer of the charges of mischief and causing a disturbance. However, the Crown appealed Reimer's acquittal and a new trial was ordered. The new trial began on April 27. Pastor Reimer is represented by defence attorney Alain Hepner.
"This is a pivotal case for free speech in Canada," said TDF senior litigation counsel, Adam Blake-Gallipeau. "Peacefully protesting controversial events should not be criminalized. Moreover, it is extremely concerning that the Crown can devote apparently unlimited resources pursuing Pastor Reimer while serious crimes go unprosecuted."
The trial is scheduled for April 27 and 28, returning on September 18, 2026, for further submissions.
TDF has supported Pastor Reimer throughout his prosecution by the state. Supporters can help fund our legal work and Pastor Derek Reimer’s defence by making a donation through this page.
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education and supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.