A plebiscite on prohibiting Pride crosswalks and flags will be held in an Alberta

Started by admin, 24-12-2024

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A binding plebiscite on a bylaw that would essentially outlaw Pride flags and crosswalks is scheduled for the Town of Barrhead soon.
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If approved, the Neutral Space Bylaw would require crosswalks in public areas to be painted the standard white stripped "continental" pattern or "ladder" pattern between two parallel lines, prohibiting any "decorations," designs, or colours.
Additionally, the bylaw would forbid "commercial entities" and anyone who support political, social, or religious activities from flying flags. Flagpoles on public land or facilities could only be used to fly the national flag, the Alberta provincial flag, or the Town of Barrhead flag.

According to the bylaw, which can be viewed online  "no grandfathering of any existing crosswalks or flags that are in violation of the new bylaw," which would require the removal of the town's current Pride and disability crosswalks.

On September 30, the council approved the bylaw's first reading.

A petition to the council in July calling for the ban on Pride flags and crosswalks led to the creation of the bylaw.

It was found to be legitimate and included signatures from 10% of the town's population.

On December 2, residents will cast their ballots.

Ninety kilometres northwest of Edmonton is Barrhead.

Earlier this year, Westlock, a town approximately 40 km from Barrhead, outlawed Pride flags at crosswalks.