On Thursday, February 22, The residents in a small farming town in Westlock Alberta, Canada voted on the removal of the only Pride crosswalk. It was ruled that only federal, provincial, and municipal flags are to be supported. With Westlock’s city council approval, a local gay-straight alliance painted the road in front of the council building with the colorful flag spreading the love.
Signatures for a petition to have it removed were circulated under the stance of needing “neutrality” in public spaces. Encouraged by the churches in the area, 10% of the 5,000 residents participated in this petition. Thus, bringing it into the light of higher authority.
With town council members supporting the opposing side to “educate” all the homophobes who wanted it gone, the issue got taken to a community referendum. The question everyone was asked was: “Do you agree that: only federal, provincial and municipal flags may be flown on flagpoles on Town of Westlock municipal property; all crosswalks in the Town of Westlock must be the standard white striped pattern between two parallel white lines; and the existing rainbow colored crosswalk in the Town of Westlock be removed?”
With the town casting their votes, at a difference of 24 votes, the citizens in favor prevailed. A total of 663 voted in favor versus the 639 opposed. As a result, the new bylaw will require removing the existing rainbow crosswalk between the town hall and the Westlock Legion. It also requires that future crosswalks painted will only be allowed the traditional white pattern. It seems as though many places are trying to ban any sort of Pride symbols.
City council head and mayor Jon Kramer gave an announcement to the media after the vote that it, “went against our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.” Mayor Kramer later went on to say, “However, we will continue to find ways to embrace those in our community who need a helping hand, including marginalized groups. Equity is the reason we require wheelchair accessible parking; it is why we are developing an accessible playground, and yes, it is the reason we show support to marginalized groups like our local 2SLGBTQ+ community… That won’t stop, it will just take on a different form.”
Mayor Kramer’s words instill hope, changes within the LGBTQ+ community in Westlock will be seen in the future.
Photo courtesy of social media
