Updated: Sat Jun. 04 2011 18:55:21

ctvedmonton.ca

Early this year, a Toronto police officer told a group of female university students that if they didn't dress provocatively, they wouldn't be raped. He unknowingly sparked a movement that has now gone international.

Women outraged by the comment organized the first Slut Walk in Toronto in April, since then more have been held in other cities in Canada and the United States.

"People can look all they want; they can say what they want. Words and looks don't really hurt," Lylia, who did not give her last name, said Saturday afternoon. "It's when you touch; it's when you physically assault somebody that's the line."

Organizers had to take a different tactic in Edmonton, after the city wanted $2000 for a parade fee to hold the Slut Walk.

Instead of walking through downtown Edmonton, organizers decided to rally on the Legislature grounds instead.

Police surrounded the grounds Saturday afternoon as hundreds gathered for the demonstration.

The walkers stood for awhile, but eventually started making their way to City Hall.

Officers ended up escorting the walkers as they made their way through downtown, and stopping traffic as the crowd moved through the streets, chanting.

A commanding officer told CTV News the walkers would likely not face a fine for walking through downtown.

With files from Kevin Armstrong