Having rainbow crosswalks in Delta could end up creating more problems than they’re intended to solve.
Ladner resident Peter Grierson had that to say in a recent letter to Delta council, stating the proposal to have painted crosswalks serves only to highlight one particular group.
Saying he supports the concept of a diverse and accepting society, Grierson wrote, “If Delta council supports the implementation of permanent indicators of support for one special interest group will you not then be required to provide access to other groups? For the LGBTQ2 community the rainbow has been adopted as a symbol. Will religious organizations be permitted to request ‘Jesus Saves’ crosswalks or will racial/ethnic groups be welcome to make their expression of support?”
He also noted visible indications such as crosswalks and street banners do little to change or encourage behaviours.
Council agreed to forward his correspondence to Delta’s new community livability advisory committee, which is to examine a request by Sher Vancouver for the city to have rainbow crosswalks and banners.
Sher Vancouver, a non-profit group founded in North Delta, supports LGBTQ South Asians and their friends and families.
Sharing ideas to increase support for LGBTQ people in Delta, Alex Sangha with Sher Vancouver said the group’s board of directors requested the city celebrate diversity and inclusion by creating rainbow and transgender crosswalks, rainbow benches in public parks, pride flag banners on street lights and work on a strategic plan to support LGBTQ people in Delta.
“Most importantly, young LGBTQ people coming out would feel they have an official ally in their local government, including the mayor and council, and that discrimination of any kind towards LGBTQ people will not be tolerated at any and all official levels,” he wrote to council.
A staff response to the letter notes, “Delta’s Social Profile indicates a need for planning contributions from the LGBTQ community. Should council direct, staff will explore options to proactively support the LGBTQ community.”
Council last month agreed to have staff develop a strategy in consultation with local businesses and community groups.
A civic report notes that 43 B.C. communities have installed rainbow crosswalks.
“Outwardly visible symbols of diversity and inclusiveness must be supported with a sustainable commitment to changing behaviour, understanding and acceptance. This can be done through policies and actions that reinforce messaging around diversity and inclusiveness,” the report states.
A grassroots social media effort resulted in the creation of Delta’s first pride event last August, the inaugural Delta Pride Picnic in Ladner’s Memorial Park.
