Oxford County Pride is calling on federal and provincial representatives to publicly condemn the recent rash of vandalism and thefts of Pride flags in the region. The group says it’s disappointed that both MPP Ernie Hardeman and MP Arpan Khanna have been silent on what it refers to as “hate motivated crimes.” “Elected officials are there to serve the community as a whole and not just pick and choose parts of the community that they want to serve,” said Oxford County Pride President Tera Russell-Curtis in an interview with CTV News. Russell-Curtis has written to both Hardeman and Khanna expressing her “profound disappointment” in their silence. It follows the burning of a Pride flag in Norwich and the cutting down of the flagpole at a public school in Norwich. She says they have a responsibility to condemn what she describes as acts of hatred. “And when they’re staying silent on the matter, they’re also sending a message to the youth of the community that the ones who are committing these acts are more worthy of their voice,” she said. Communities across southwestern Ontario have been hit by a rash of violence toward Pride symbols in June, which is Pride month. In addition to Oxford, four schools in Perth County had flagpole damage, while a school in Glencoe, in Middlesex County, had its Pride flag stolen, along with a Canada flag and the pole they were attached to. Several homes and businesses throughout the region have also been targeted. Russell-Curtis says she can’t understand why. “You know it’s supposed to tell people that they have a place in the community. They have safe space at school. There’s no hatred in the message of the flag, but yet, it’s met with so much hatred,” she said. CTV News reached out to both Hardeman and Khanna to discuss the concerns raised by Oxford Pride. Hardeman did not respond. Khanna sent a statement directly to CTV News. The statement reads: “Let me be clear: Any acts of vandalism, attempts of intimidation and property damage are unacceptable. Those responsible should be held accountable for their actions. The OPP is investigating this incident, and I encourage anyone with information to contact police and assist with their investigation. Oxford is a beautiful, caring, and welcoming community. Together, we must work in collaboration to protect that.”
