The Town of Fort Macleod said it is "united against hate," following a series of actions targeting the 2SLGBTQ+ community, August 29, 2023. (Photo: Jewhyte | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Town of Fort Macleod is “united against hate” following pride vandalisms

Aug 29, 2023 | 5:44 AM

FORT MACLEOD, AB – A municipality in southern Alberta has responded to a series of acts targeting the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The Town of Fort Macleod said in a statement that it is “appalled and disheartened” to learn of what is believes were “acts of hate.”

The Pride in the Park event was held in the community on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

The local government said, overall, the event was considered a success, but a few incidents left it feeling like it had to step up.

During a drag show at the Empress Theatre, a group of youths allegedly poured a bottle of Fisher and Marten lure over the carpets and curtains before smashing the bottle onto the floor in the foyer.

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Two suspects were arrested and the theatre remains closed for the time being.

READ MORE: RCMP investigating vandalism to Fort Macleod’s Empress Theatre during drag event

That same evening, the Town of Fort Macleod said that both the community flagpole and Pride Flag were torn down and burned.

The Town of Fort Macleod issued the following statement in response:

“These acts of hatred toward our 2SLGBTQ+ community strikes at the heart of our values of freedom of expression and choice we cherish in our community and our beautiful country. We are committed to ensuring that every person in our community can live without fear, knowing their rights are safeguarded and their freedom to express themselves is protected,” said the Town of Fort Macleod.

“The Town of Fort Macleod, administration and all council members condemn these heinous actions unequivocally. We stand united with the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the Empress Theatre Society in our determination to seek justice for those responsible.”

The municipality adds that, while everyone does not need to see eye-to-eye on all issues, they ask that everybody shows respect to one another.

“These acts were carried out by a few individuals who do not represent the values of our community. We firmly believe that the majority of us are compassionate, respectful, and devoted to building a stronger, more inclusive Fort Macleod. Let’s continue on this path to building a stronger community.”

The statement was jointly signed by Mayor Brent Feyter and the entire Fort Macleod town council, including Aaron Poytress, Christina Fox, Mackenzie Hengerer, Jim Monteith, Marco Van Huigenbos, and Gord Wolstenholme.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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