GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, N.L. – A colourful crosswalk has sparked commentary and controversy on both sides of the aisle.
The Springdale town council initially voted against a proposal from Indian River High School’s Gender Sexuality Alliance to put a rainbow crosswalk outside of their school to show support for LGBTQ residents and students on April 9.
“Council would sit down and certainly look at it,” said Grand Falls-Windsor Deputy Mayor Mike Browne on any potential requests from LGBTQ organizations.
“If there was any way of doing it for them at all, we certainly would. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community. We would have a serious look at the request, and we would look forward to meeting with them and seeing what we could come up with between council and their group.”
In light of overwhelming public feedback, Springdale council may reverse its initial decision. Students from Indian River High presented their opinions to community leaders at a town council meeting last night, April 23. However, council has not said when it will put the matter to a motion, and vote, again.
“For me personally, I do believe in inclusion. I have no bias to that whatsoever,” said Badger Mayor Ed Card.
“For our community, myself, I’d like to hope that we would be supportive of any community organization, to do what we could.”
Bishop’s Falls Mayor Bryan King said council would have to vote on something of that nature, though he personally wouldn’t have an issue with a rainbow crosswalk.
“I like to think we’re an open-minded community,” said Point Leamington Mayor Wilf Mercer.
“If that issue were to arise, we’d certainly give it every consideration in the world and make a decision that we think is best for the community and for all concerned. But, it’s hard to say because we’ve never been faced with it."
Botwood Mayor Scott Sceviour and Deputy Mayor Dennis Woolridge declined to comment on the matter.
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