Editor’s note: The following is a letter addressed to North Huron council and shared with the Wingham Advance Times.
To our council in North Huron,
We would like to propose a bylaw to council to pass a motion to ban non-government flags, including Pride flags, on municipal properties.
We believe civic flags best represent all groups of people. Whether flown together or apart, these (government) flags are all we need to represent the diverse and multicultural citizenship in the town of Wingham. By flying these flags alone on township property, we can coexist in peace and harmony, no matter who we are or what we believe.
We believe that to open the door to flying flags that represent any particular group or organization or ideology will only divide rather than unite. Besides government flags, the only other banners allowed to be installed on township property, including street light poles, are those promoting downtown businesses and downtown beautification.
This is not a violation of the Human Rights Code. This situation is not sneaky, it’s not demeaning; it’s being transparent, this is ethical and is the duty of councillors to hear their community speak.
We would also like council to vote against a motion that would proclaim June as Pride month in the township beginning this summer.
We do not endorse the diversity, equity and inclusion committee as well.
We are not perpetuating or endorsing homophobia, discrimination or oppression. There is no need for filing a human rights complaint as well.
This is not a setback or regression for the 2SLBGTQIA+ community.
We need to listen to and reflect on the opinions of our constituents of Wingham. Council has to support the people in this township. There are far, far more people on this side than the other, and if our council is challenged, we will help defend.
Thank you for your time,
Jason and Julie Dickert
Jake and Annie Kikkert
Wingham
