Dear Editor:
RE: Community members clash over Pride banners in Minto, May 16.
I am writing this letter to report on a Town of Minto council meeting on May 7. I am specifically wanting to comment on an item brought forward regarding the flying of Pride banners and flags throughout the Town of Minto from May to September.
Even though I was in support of the motion brought forward, I will try to write this account with little or no bias.
The three men who got up to speak could not have been more diverse. The first man is Indigenous and has raised a family, works and volunteers in Minto. The second man is an immigrant to Canada and became a Canadian citizen in, I believe, the 1990s. He is a farmer and has also raised a family in Minto. Finally, the third man has a business and is well known in the Minto community.
Each man had a distinct view of the issue but what was very clear is they all loved Canada and the Town of Minto.
At the outset, I must say, not one man maligned the LGBTQ community. Of the over 900 signatures that these men, with the help of others, amassed in a petition, each of the three men stated that there were many who were afraid to sign. Afraid of possible repercussions.
Many people were glad to sign as they felt that things were happening around them and they felt they had no voice. This petition gave them that voice. Two of the gentlemen mentioned that our Canadian flag has a motto: “pride and strength.”
In all, I really believe that the people have spoken!
Heather Winn,
Palmerston