Progress Flag Debate Returns to Norwich Township Council Tonight

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Tuesday, 25 April 2023 05:47

Photo Credit: Norwich BIA Facebook page, @NorwichBIA

Councillor Scholten would like to introduce a new flag policy that bans Pride and Progress flags from being installed on streetlights, while Councillor Stubbs would like council to proclaim June as Pride Month.

NORWICH - It's going to be a council meeting to remember in Norwich Township.

Council will look over two motions tonight, one brought forward Ward 1 Councillor John Scholten and another introduced by Ward 2 Councillor Alisha Stubbs.

Scholten's motion calls on the Township to introduce a flag policy so only federal, provincial, and municipal flags can be flown on Township property. A recent amendment to the motion also specifically bans Pride and Progress banners from being installed on streetlights. You can read Scholten's full motion below:

"That a by-law be established to:
- Provide that only the three official government flags (Federal, Provincial, and Municipal) be flown on any Township property,
- Provide that only banners related to promotion of downtown businesses or for downtown beautification be installed on Township owned streetlight poles, which excludes Progress or Pride banners
- Provide that the Township participate in the Safe and Well Oxford Steering Committee"

Meanwhile, the motion brought forward by Stubbs calls on Norwich Township to declare June as Pride Month and to encourage and promote inclusivity in the community. You can read her full motion below:

"WHEREAS the Municipality of the Township of Norwich supports the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination, and
WHEREAS all people regardless of age, gender identity, race, colour, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or disability, have the right to be treated equally as human beings, and
WHEREAS the Municipality of the Township of Norwich accepts and embraces diversity in its population as a means to grow the social fabric of the community, and
WHEREAS the Two-Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (2SLGBTQ) communities contribute to the successes and vibrancy of the Municipality of the Township of Norwich, and
WHEREAS while progress has been made, further recognition, awareness, and education related to the 2SLGBTQ+ community is needed to prevent discrimination and promote inclusivity.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor and Council of the Township of Norwich proclaim each June as Pride Month in Norwich Township, beginning June 2023, and encourage and promote equality for the 2SLGBTQ+ community throughout the municipality."

The agenda for tonight's meeting includes eight delegations. Three of them appear to be in favour of Scholten's flag policy motion and five of them appear to be against it.

Tonight's meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. and we have heard several reports of protests planned for the evening. Seventy-five people will be allowed in council chambers due to Fire Code regulations and security will be on-site to make sure the capacity limit is enforced. Those who are unable to attend the meeting will be able to watch the livestream online here.

You can find the full agenda for the meeting online here.

The Norwich BIA installed Progress flags on streetlights on the downtown core last year in honour or Pride Month, which sparked heated debate throughout the Township. The Oxford OPP charged two individuals after the flags were stolen and vandalised; a 16-year-old from Norwich Township and a 47-year-old from Tillsonburg. The charges against the Tillsonburg man were dropped a few months ago.

The Progress flag is very similar to the Pride flag. It includes the six-stripe Pride rainbow symbol, along with sideways chevrons of light blue, pink, and white to represent trans and non-binary individuals. It also includes sideways chevrons of brown and black to represent people of colour.