Peaceful protest in front of a government or commercial property like a courthouse, a factory or an abortion clinic is one thing. A protest in front of a private residence is beyond the pale and shouldn’t be accepted or tolerated. Even if you think a public figure is fair game, their families and neighbors shouldn’t have to put up with unruly mobs.

Unfortunately, neither Canada nor most U.S. states have a clear legal distinction when it comes to protesting outside a person’s home or dwelling. Both countries need laws protecting the right to live and raise a family in a peaceful environment.

A significant fine—say $100,000 for repeat offenders—and the possibility of prison time should be sufficient to deter such behavior and encourage protesters to make their views known in ways that don’t threaten the personal safety and well-being of their adversaries or bystanders. Even the U.S. Supreme Court has held that the government may impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place and manner of speech.