‘Irresponsible and dangerous,’ Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy group condemns Alberta town’s decision to ban rainbow crosswalk

A national 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy group is condemning an Alberta town’s decision to ban rainbow crosswalks and restrict the town to flying only government flags.  

On Thursday, Westlock, Alberta, located north of Edmonton, voted on Thursday to implement a bylaw that prohibits rainbow crosswalks and flying the Pride flag. 

The town reported that 1,307 residents voted (33.5 per cent of eligible voters) on the question: Do you agree that:   

The vote resulted in 663 people in favour and 639 opposed, with the yes answer winning by 24 votes. 

Mayor John Kramer and council members campaigned against the bylaw when it was proposed in a petition last year by a group titled Westlock Neutrality, who demanded “neutrality” in public spaces. The petition came shortly after the town’s first Pride crosswalk was painted. 

“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,” Kramer said in a statement, according to CTV News Edmonton.

In response to the vote, Westlock Neutrality’s Team Lead Stephanie Bakker released a statement online saying members of the 2SLGBTQ community are loved.

“To our friends and family in the Pride community… Despite what the Mayor and Council have been trying so hard to convince you of, those who voted for the bylaw were not voting against YOU. You are loved. Those who voted for neutrality did so with a genuine desire to keep our community whole and inclusive,” she wrote.

The group is also hosting a party Friday evening called the “I Don’t Agree with You But I Love You” Block Party to mark the occasion. 

In a statement on X, non-for-profit 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy group Egale Canada said it condemns Westlock’s decision.

“In a time of rising hate against 2SLGBTQI people in Canada, the town of Westlock has signalled to 2SLGBTQI residents and visitors that their safety and inclusion is not a priority. The decision to prevent local governments from displaying visible symbols of solidarity with our communities is irresponsible and dangerous,” the statement reads. 

Since the bylaw originated from a community-led petition, it could be undone by a second petition seeking to rescind it after one year, according to CTV News.

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The vote comes after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith introduced new rules earlier this month for children who desire gender reassignment.