Didsbury Bans Group Flags, Pride Crosswalks

0:00It's March 26. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Canada News today, your AI-powered local news. Counselors in Dizbury, Alberta just passed the by-law banning decorative flags and special crosswalks on public land. The small town of 5,200 people, located north of Calgary, now limits displays to only government flags and standard road markings. This moved blocks things like rainbow pride crosswalks or flags for other groups. The decision came after resident feedback during the recent election campaign. On Tuesday, it passed by a narrow 4-to-3 vote, with the mayor and three others in favor. Officials say the rule only applies to town flag polls and crosswalks, leaving other public art untouched. Locals and counselors against it worry the by-law stirs up division and sends a message against inclusion. Some residents fear it could hurt tourism and make the town seem less welcoming, especially to younger people and queer community members. Even opposing counselor noted emails to counsel showed hostility toward LGBTQ plus support.

1:02Dizbury is now the third Alberta community to enact such a neutrality policy following Westlock and barehead last year. Those towns also remove pride crosswalks and group flags after similar debates. Advocacy groups call it a troubling trend that sidelines marginalized voices. Mayor Chris Little stressed the council ains for fairness across the whole community not favoring anyone group. As more towns weigh these rules, the push for neutral public spaces keeps growing in the province.