Progress Flag Discussion Returns to Norwich Township Council Ahead of Pride Month

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Tuesday, 28 March 2023 05:48

Photo Credit: Norwich BIA Facebook page, @NorwichBIA

Ward 1 Councillor John Scholten is calling on the Township to introduce a flag policy for municipal property, while Ward 2 Councillor Alisha Stubbs would like the Township to officially proclaim June as Pride Month.

NORWICH TOWNSHIP - The Progress flag discussion will return to Norwich Township Council.

Two notices of motion will be brought forward during tonight's meeting.

Ward 1 Councillor John Scholten's motion calls on the Township to introduce a flag policy that states only the three official government flags can be flown on Township property. You can read the full motion below:

"This is to provide notice that a motion will be introduced for Council’s consideration at the April 25, 2023 Council meeting, with the goal to restore peace, harmony and safety in our community. The motion will be to provide that a policy and/or by-law be established to:
- Provide that only the three official government flags (Federal, Provincial, and Municipal) be flown on any Township property,
- Provide that only banners related to promotion of downtown businesses or for downtown beautification be installed on Township owned streetlight poles,
- Provide that the Township establish a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee."

Ward 2 Councillor Alisha Stubbs will also bring forward a notice of motion, asking Council to officially proclaim June as Pride Month as well as promote and encourage inclusivity in the Township. You can read her full motion below:

"This is to provide notice that a motion will be introduced for Council’s consideration at the April 25, 2023 Council meeting:
WHEREAS the Municipality of the Township of Norwich supports the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination, and
WHEREAS all people regardless of age, gender identity, race, colour, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or disability, have the right to be treated equally as human beings, and
WHEREAS the Municipality of the Township of Norwich accepts and embraces diversity in its population as a means to grow the social fabric of the community, and
WHEREAS the Two-Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (2SLGBTQ) communities contribute to the successes and vibrancy of the Municipality of the Township of Norwich, and
WHEREAS while progress has been made, further recognition, awareness and education related to the 2SLGBTQ+ community is needed to prevent discrimination and promote inclusivity.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor and Council of the Township of Norwich proclaim each June as Pride Month in Norwich Township, beginning June 2023, and encourage and promote equality for the 2SLGBTQ+ community throughout the municipality."

Both of the motions will be introduced tonight and debated at another council meeting next month. Tonight's meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. and you will be able to livestream it online here. You can also view the agenda online here.

The Norwich BIA hung Progress flags throughout the downtown core last June, which sparked a heated debate within the township.