“We will not tolerate, and no councillor will approve, hate or any hate crimes in Williams Lake. Not in our city,” said Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor.
Mayor Rathor’s response was to backlash and discriminatory comments, posts, remarks, and threats of violence on the Williams Lake Speak Up Facebook group page, as well as other group pages, following the City of Williams Lake raising the Pride Flag at City Hall to mark the first day of Pride in the Puddle Week, on August 17.
Public comments also questioned the City’s decision not to allow the public to make comments on the City’s post.
“We respect the fact that community members hold a wide range of perspectives and value the opportunity for respectful dialogue,” Mayor Rathor says, with respect to what he called the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that Williams Lake is home to with its residents.
“But the City, and I, want to be very clear: there is no place for hate, discrimination, harassment, violence, or intimidation in Williams Lake. It will not be tolerated.”
Mayor Rathor encouraged residents, with differences of opinion, to share views through fair and official City and community channels. Or make their statements publicly at City Council meetings.
“Our community is strongest when public conversations are guided with civility, respect, and recognize the dignity and worth of every person involved,” says Mayor Rathor. “Everyone has worth in our community, and they should be feeling safe. Any difference of opinion should never result in language or action that deems to exclude or threaten other people and their lives.”
According to Rathor, this is not the first time the City has hoisted the Pride Flag. It has been raised in accordance with the City’s policy.
Williams Lake RCMP’s Staff Sergeant Brad McKinnon said the detachment is aware of the Facebook Groups and the posts that are made, and is taking the matter seriously.
“The police are here to protect all human beings, all Canadians, and all guests and people staying in Williams Lake and calling this place home. Anyone who would feel threatened by these comments is a human being,” says Staff Sergeant McKinnon.
“If anyone is feeling threatened, unsafe, or even unsure for their safety from online or in public, do not hesitate to contact the Williams Lake detachment. Come in to the station, talk with us, and start a file. That’s what we are here for, and we will do everything we can to make people feel safe and that they are in our community.”
The City of Williams Lake’s next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 25.
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