Westlock residents have voted to ban Pride crosswalks and allow the town to only fly flags representative of the municipal, provincial, or federal governments.
Hundreds of local citizens went to the polls Thurs. Feb. 22 and voted to support bylaw 2023-14 in a plebiscite that was spurred by a successful petition from members of the community last fall.
A total of 663 residents voted yes to ban Pride crosswalks and flags, while a total of 639 residents voted no to the bylaw, a difference of just 24 votes.
As a result of the successful plebiscite, the new bylaw will require removing the existing rainbow crosswalk between the town hall and the Westlock Legion. Future crosswalks will only be allowed to be painted in a traditional white laddered pattern.
Yes votes: 663
No votes: 639
Westlock Mayor Jon Kramer said in a press release that council did not support the proposed bylaw and felt it went against council's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
“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. We know the Town of Westlock is a welcoming community and that will not change.”
The plebiscite resulted after residents brought a petition to the town in October 2023. The resident-initiated petition garnered enough signatures to force council to pass the bylaw or refer it to a community vote, as per the rules laid out in the Municipal Government Act.
Plebiscite question: 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 coloured crosswalk in the Town of Westlock be removed.
More to come.