In the past year, Councillor Lisa Robinson has been the centre of much controversy stemming from her view that focus on any single group may be prejudicial against all other groups. In that light, she has advocated against flying certain flags or giving certain groups individualized attention at the prejudicial expense of other groups who have not received equal attention.
Robinson has been criticized as being racist and prejudiced. Taking that position may be too narrow of a view. Robinson may be trying to say that centring out one group is negating groups who are not centred out. Could people be focussing on the wrong aspect of her message, focusing on groups rather than on her message that there is inherent prejudice when any single group is isolated?
It seems the citizens of Westlock, Alberta may support Councillor Robinson’s view with their NEUTRALITY BYLAW:
“Residents of Westlock, Alta., voted in favour of a bylaw Thursday
evening that bans certain flags and crosswalks from being displayed
on public property, including the town’s only rainbow crosswalk.”
A plebiscite was held regarding a neutrality bylaw and it passed. Though the town council did not support the bylaw, the plebiscite was binding and Westlock Mayor Jon Kramer issued a press release saying that the municipal government would try to find ways to “embrace those in our community who need a helping hand, including marginalized groups,” despite the bylaw.
The plebiscite results, 663 vs 639 (in favour/opposed) which means the municipal government can only raise federal, provincial and municipal government flags on public property.
Crosswalks in the town — located about 90 kilometres northwest of Edmonton — can also only be painted the standard white-striped pattern. The sole rainbow crosswalk, painted last summer between the town hall and the Royal Canadian Legion in support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, will be removed.
Town staff received a petition on Sept. 15 from the Westlock Neutrality Team, led by Westlock resident Stephanie Bakker, asking council to make a bylaw “ensuring that crosswalks and flags on public property remain neutral.”
For the full story from CBC, read –> NEUTRALITY
