Community Voice

Quick Update on Council Meeting tonight

Well Done Members of Whitby Council !!

-staff looking into a Community Flag Pole to engage and support their communities (out of the closet and proud) :>

-Mayor and council willing to start proclamations

-1 Councilor opposed (Deputy Mayor, Town and Regional Councilor Joe Drumm)

We can add this to another accomplishment of Durham LGBTQ CIC Members and Allies !

Durham Police Association was in attendance as was Mohammed (Who also sits on many Durham Diversity Committees and Ajax D.A.C.E. - Steering committee)

Durham Region Social Service - Hilary S was in attendance

Pride Durham

AIDS Committee of Durham

Club 717

PFLAG Durham

My Sister's Voice

Distress Centre Durham

Indo-Canadian Association of Durham sent their support and regrets

DC/UoIT

CDCD

NDP - Reps

Green Party - Reps

Many members of the public - including a couple who saw all the news coverage and decided they had to come and support.

(Hope I did not forget anyone, as there were a few people I did not know) :)

Thank you for taking time to help us make a difference in our community !!

There is always HOPE

Community Voice

Community Voice Name: Email:

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Subject: Message:

Dear Whitby Mayor, Town Councillors and Town Staff,

I am writing in support of changing Town policy to allow for official proclamations and flying of flags representing the diverse communities of Whitby.

The official proclamation of important cultural events, historical dates and milestones, including LGBTQ Pride, and flying flags that represent significant social movements, are important steps in recognizing and celebrating the diverse makeup of our Town. It helps to promote respect and human rights for all; and acknowledge the contributions of the diverse communities in Whitby, including the LGBTQ community. Thousands of Towns and cities across Canada and around the world, including the City of Toronto and Durham Region, issue official proclamations without any problems.

In the case of the Whitby LGBTQ community, the Town issued its first Pride Day proclamation in 2004, signed by then Mayor Marcel Brunnelle. That led to a successful celebration for the first time ever in the Region of Durham. The Town of Whitby played an important role in setting up an example for other towns and for the Region itself. There were no protests, no complaints, and no backlash. Everyone had a great time.

The reversal of this important policy in 2005 was not in the best interest of the Town of Whitby and its diverse communities.

We urge you to revise and amend the proclamations policy so that we can continue to celebrate diversity, human rights and respect for all in Whitby.

Sincerely,

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