Alberta Town votes to ban Pride crosswalks.

Town votes to ban Pride crosswalks. Its only rainbow crosswalk will be removed.

Narrow Victory for Flag and Crosswalk Restrictions

In Westlock, Alberta, a small agricultural community, a close vote on Thursday resulted in the decision to restrict municipal buildings to displaying only the national, provincial, and local government flags. Additionally, the vote mandated the removal of a Pride-themed crosswalk situated at an intersection near the city hall.

Details of the Vote

Voters were asked during the vote at the community hall of the rural town: “Should the town of Westlock be limited to flying only the federal, provincial, and municipal flags on its municipal properties? Should all crosswalks follow a standard design of white stripes between two parallel lines, leading to the removal of the rainbow-colored crosswalk?”

Origins of the Bylaw Proposal

The initiative for the bylaw was sparked by the creation of a Pride crosswalk by a local alliance supporting both gay and straight members. This was quickly followed by a petition advocating for “neutrality” in communal spaces, specifically calling for the crosswalk’s removal.

Related : Alberta town Town to Decide on Pride Symbol Ban

The Town Council’s Response

The petition, having garnered signatures from 10% of the town’s 5,000 inhabitants, was then presented to the town council.

Despite the petition, the town council initially did not back the demands, which led to the plebiscite—a vote directly from the community members.

Mayor Reaffirms Commitment to Equity

Following the vote on Thursday evening, Westlock’s Mayor Jon Kramer emphasized the council’s ongoing commitment to fairness and inclusivity.

“Council did not support the proposed Crosswalk and Flagpole bylaw, as we felt it went against our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion,” the mayor said in a statement to media after the vote.

“This plebiscite is binding, and as such, the bylaw does restrict how we are able to show this commitment. 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.”