MINTO – Town council has unanimously approved a new commemoration policy that effectively allows Pride banners to be displayed – for one month only – and rejects a so-called “neutrality” bylaw proposed by a group of residents.
“Council of the Town of Minto can not support a bylaw to ensure crosswalks and flags, banners, on public property remain neutral,” stated Mayor Dave Turton at the June 18 meeting.
“Minto is a progressive rural community, where all people are welcome.”
Some people in the gallery applauded the mayor’s statement, but not everybody was happy.
Resident Glenn Meyer, referencing a statement made by deputy mayor Jean Anderson at a previous meeting that homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time, told council that doesn’t make it right.
“Murder has been around since Genesis chapter four, but we don’t condone it or say it’s okay, or support it,” Meyer said.
Continuing to refer to the Bible, he opined that homosexuality is a “gross sin” and those who practice it will “have their part in the lake of fire.”
A member of the public yelled at Meyer to sit down, as his statement was not a question for council.
Another resident asked for a referendum on the matter.
“Why are you so afraid to have a vote over this extremely controversial issue?” asked Dan Sinclair, an organizer of a petition calling for “neutral” public spaces.
He said council has turned its backs on constituents.
Organizers say 900 people signed the petition, or about one in 10 Minto residents, though several people have said they were duped into signing it.
When Minto CAO Gregory Furtney explained referendums are expensive, Sinclair replied, “I’m sure we can fundraise like the Pride Committee …”
Sinclair then questioned why no Minto councillors have a Pride flag on their properties.
Turton said he purchased two flags last year, but both disappeared.
“I put it out a little while back and [the] very next day it was laying, bent over, so I have no problem with putting a lawn sign to do with Pride on my lawn and I’ll do it tonight,” he said.
Members of the Minto Pride Committee also spoke at the meeting, stressing the importance of Pride recognition, particularly for youths.
“We’re pleased that the new commemoration policy allows our Pride banners to remain up while also giving other community groups and causes a clear avenue to add to the beauty of our downtowns,” committee member Rosie Krul told the Community News.
“More, not less, is what will keep our community growing and thriving.”
The new town policy states “alternate” flags can be raised for a maximum of one month, with room for the town to extend.
Banners can be displayed for one month (June, July, August or September).
Town officials confirmed Pride banners will come down at the end of June.
