WESTLOCK - While a June 22 Alberta RCMP news release highlights a “recent spike in hate incidents targeting 2SLGBTQ+ communities” and encourages people to report them as “all communities deserve to feel safe and be fully included in all aspects of our society”, Westlock RCMP have received a handful of complaints regarding printed materials in opposition to the soon-to-be painted Rainbow crosswalk across 106th Street.
Westlock RCMP Detachment acting commander Cpl. Riley Sutherland said June 23 they’ve been “monitoring” all of the recent events and although they aren’t planning to have an onsite presence during the crosswalk painting slated for 5 p.m., June 27, they will have “members on shift who are going to be patrolling and will be around if they’re needed.”
Local RCMP were also well aware of the contentious June 12 debate where for a second time, Town of Westlock councillors declared their support for the Pride crosswalk that had been requested by the R.F. Staples School Thunder Alliance.
That night town council chambers were filled to capacity, while the hall outside was also jammed with people and the Heritage Building parking lot had a carnival-like atmosphere with crosswalk supporters and detractors trading barbs.
As for once the crosswalk is painted, Sutherland said that if there’s any mischief to it “we will pursue charges and (help from) units within the RCMP to assist us in selecting all of the appropriate charges.”
As for other complaints, Sutherland said that they’ve received a few regarding a double-sided flyer in opposition to the crosswalk that was left on vehicles in the days leading up to the town council debate.
“We have seen an increase in those complaints for sure, but we haven’t received any others beyond those,” she added.
Report hate crimes
The Alberta RCMP release, which Sutherland called “excellent”, notes that following the vandalism of Rainbow sidewalks and murals in Okotoks and Ponoka, protests against public libraries, schools and community 2SLGBTQ+ events, and other hate-related incidents that have targeted various individuals and community groups over the past year, they wanted to emphasize “the importance of Albertans reporting any actions, language or behaviour they suspect to be a hate crime or incident to police.”
“The Alberta RCMP firmly believes that everyone should feel safe and be treated with equality and respect. We are committed to ensuring everyone we serve can live in communities free from discrimination and bias, and we take any action that threatens the safety and security of others extremely seriously. To be clear, the RCMP will follow up on all reports and if appropriate, charges will be laid,” reads the release in part.
Hate has no place in Alberta
The release states that a hate incident or crime are actions committed against a person or property, motivated either partly or wholly by “bias, prejudice or hate towards an identifiable group or community, as defined by real or perceived age, colour, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, or any other similar factor.” “Hate-motivated actions can range from physical assaults or threat of violence, property damage or destruction (including graffiti with homo/bi/transphobic slurs and hate symbols), to harassment and discriminatory comments,” reads the release in part.
“Even if you aren’t sure if an incident is illegal, you are encouraged to report it. In addition to holding perpetrators responsible, reporting hate incidents allows us to provide victims with support services, potentially assists with other investigations and documents repeated behaviours and sends an important message that these acts will not be tolerated in our communities. Hate has no place in Alberta. All communities deserve to feel safe and be fully included in all aspects of our society.”
The release ends by stating that if residents see or hear any hate-motivated behaviours, report it by contacting your local RCMP detachment. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), the Internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).
