If you follow local elections, you know that putting your name on a ballot takes courage. But personal attacks are driving women out of politics and stopping others from ever running. An international expert on cyberbullying recently visited Fredericton to highlight this growing crisis. According to a recent report by CBC News, the online abuse directed at female politicians goes far beyond policy disagreements.

The Personal Toll on Female Politicians

Marilyn Bromberg, an associate professor at the University of Western Australia Law School, spoke at a University of New Brunswick conference aimed at getting more women elected. She noted that online abuse targeting women is intensely personal. Trolls focus on a woman’s appearance, marital status, and children. In contrast, attacks on male politicians usually stick to policy issues.

Female politicians, visible minorities, and sexual minorities face the highest risk of threats and cyberbullying. Bromberg explained that society normalizes this abuse. People tell women to suck it up and accept the harassment as part of the job.

“I strongly believe that politicians should not have to live with this,” Bromberg said. “We know that it is causing some politicians to literally leave politics and is causing some potential politicians to actually not enter politics whatsoever.”

Local Impact in New Brunswick

The problem extends directly into our local communities. Brittany Merrifield, the mayor of Grand Bay Westfield and president of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick, moderated a panel at the event. She confirmed these same pressures exist in local municipal politics.

“There’s a climate of growing disrespect, social polarization and digital hostility,” Merrifield said.

Social media accelerates this hostility. Merrifield highlighted a very real fear among local leaders that online threats will walk off the computer screen and become physical reality.

Finding Solutions and Protecting Democracy

We need concrete actions to protect elected officials. Bromberg pointed out that Australia made it illegal to create deepfakes of politicians during election campaigns. Here in Canada, Merrifield noted that Quebec introduced legislation to protect elected officials from harassment and intimidation.

“This isn’t about silencing people. This is about protecting our democracy,” Merrifield said.

The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick and the Association francophone des municipalites du Nouveau Brunswick recently released the Respect and Action Report. This document outlines 46 recommendations focused on education, accountability, and protection. Merrifield rejects the idea that politicians just need a thick skin, noting that no other job allows this level of abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who faces the most online abuse in politics?

Female politicians, visible minorities, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals experience the highest levels of cyberbullying and threats.

How does the abuse against women differ from men?

Attacks on women are typically highly personal, focusing on their appearance and family life. Attacks on men usually focus on their political policies.

What is New Brunswick doing to address this issue?

The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick released the Respect and Action Report, which provides 46 recommendations centered on education, accountability, and protection for elected officials.

Are there laws to protect politicians from online harassment?

Quebec recently introduced legislation to protect elected officials from intimidation. Experts suggest other provinces should adopt similar protective measures.