In the small agricultural hub of Westlock, Alberta, a recent plebiscite has sharply divided the community. By a narrow margin, residents decided that only national, provincial, and city flags should adorn municipal buildings, effectively banning the display of any Pride symbols on these properties. The vote also mandated the removal of a Pride-themed crosswalk, a vivid symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility, positioned prominently in front of the city hall. The final tally revealed a community split down the middle: 663 votes for the bylaw, against 639 opposing.
The Battle for Neutrality
This contentious vote was prompted by the installation of the rainbow crosswalk by a local gay-straight alliance, aiming to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ rights. The move quickly sparked a backlash, with a petition for “neutrality” in public spaces gaining momentum. Advocates of the petition argued that the presence of the Pride crosswalk on municipal property was a departure from neutrality, prompting the need for a plebiscite. Despite requiring signatures from just ten percent of Westlock’s population to proceed, the petition underscored a deep divide on issues of LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion.
The Council’s Stand
The town council of Westlock, led by Mayor Jon Kramer, initially resisted the push to legislate against the Pride crosswalk and the restriction on flags. Mayor Kramer emphasized the council’s dedication to principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, suggesting that the bylaw contradicted these values. Despite the plebiscite’s outcome, Kramer affirmed the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting marginalized communities, including the local 2SLGBTQ+ population. He vowed that the council’s efforts to foster an inclusive community would persist, albeit in new forms, drawing parallels to initiatives like wheelchair-accessible parking and the development of accessible playgrounds.
A Community at a Crossroads
Westlock’s vote is emblematic of a larger conversation taking place across many communities about the visibility of LGBTQ+ symbols in public spaces and the role of local governments in representing diverse constituencies. While the decision to remove the Pride crosswalk and restrict flag displays on municipal properties might suggest a step back for LGBTQ+ visibility in Westlock, it also highlights the ongoing debates around public space, community values, and the meaning of inclusivity. As Westlock navigates the aftermath of this divisive vote, the impact on its LGBTQ+ residents and the broader community remains to be seen.