Fort Macleod stands united against hate, after protesters disrupt Pride events
By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on August 30, 2023.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com The Town of Fort Macleod has united against hate with full support from its mayor and councillors after the incidents that took place against the 2SLGBTQ+ community over the weekend.Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Fort Macleod, Anthony Burdett spoke to the Herald on Tuesday and said the community has come forward to express their distaste and anger towards the hateful acts displayed within the town.
 “A lot of support came out against the actions that happen on the weekend, and council in like manner in our communications,” said Burdett.
 He said council met on Monday and members unanimously agreed to release a letter condemning the actions of those who tried to disrupt the 2SLGBTQ+ community events.
 “They all agree that this was unacceptable behaviour that happened in our town, to target a specific group with hateful people actions and really quite distasteful actions that were taken against the LGBTQ group. All the council was on board with the message that we put together, they felt that it was very necessary that all the members of council and mayor sign the letter,” said Burdett.
 He said in the past they have received flak about not all council members being on board with messages that were sent out, but in this case, council was unified in its position and everyone signed the letter.
“Our community recently witnessed acts of hate that left us appalled and disheartened. In times of adversity, we must come together, reaffirming our commitment to the values of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect that we strive for in our community,” reads the letter.
The letter goes on to say the attack on their 2SLGBTQ+ community and the Empress Theatre is an assault on the rights of members of their community and their shared history.
Burdett said the Empress Theatre is regarded as the gem of Main Street, it stands out as the focus of Main Street and it is a beautiful highlight to the history they shared.
“People have been really upset that the building was subject because of the targeted attack and it’s really frustrated that someone would do something that would damage part of the building,” said Burdett.
He said residents are really disappointed that someone would be willing to damage a historical building that is so important to the town, and he highlighted that it was done by a small group of people and that does not reflect how the residents of Fort Macleod actually feel.
“We want to make sure that people know that these actions were taken by a few individuals that do not reflect the community of Fort Macleod. There are a few people who have hate in their heart and they’re not building up the community the way we want to see it. The majority of our residents here are trying to be inclusive and respectful when it comes to groups and differing opinions and different ideologies,” said Burdett.
In the letter the town council indicates that they are committed to ensuring that every person in their community can live without fear, knowing their rights are safeguarded and their freedom to express themselves is protected, and they stand united with the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
“We stand united with the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the Empress Theatre Society in our determination to seek justice for those responsible. The RCMP is currently investigating this matter, and the Town will be working with them to ensure this is handled appropriately,” reads the letter.
RCMP said Tuesday afternoon in a release they received a report Saturday about 11:38 p.m. of five male suspects burning the Pride flag at Centennial Park.
RCMP say they will be continuing their investigation into that incident and the one at the Empress in which two juveniles poured “fisher and marten lure oil” on the floor during a Pride event. Those individuals were arrested but can’t be named due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
“The Alberta RCMP firmly believes that everyone should feel safe, and be treated with equality and respect. We are committed to ensuring everyone we serve can live in communities free from discrimination and bias, and we take any action that threatens the safety and security of others extremely seriously. The Fort MacLeod RCMP will be continuing our investigation to find all those who are responsible for both incidents,” said police in its release.
Anyone with information on the incidents can contact Fort Macleod RCMP at 403-553-7220. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at http://www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. Follow @APulidoHerald on Twitter 4
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