Barrhead Votes to Ban Pride Flags and Rainbow Crosswalks on Public Property

The Alberta town's plebiscite supports a bylaw promoting 'neutral spaces,' with council set to finalize the decision.

Residents of Barrhead, Alberta, voted 653 to 492 in favor of a bylaw banning decorative flags and crosswalks, including Pride symbols, from municipal property.
The bylaw was initiated after a petition with over 700 signatures called for neutrality in public spaces, nearly doubling the required threshold for council consideration.
The town council will proceed with second and third readings of the 'Neutral Spaces Bylaw' to formalize the decision.
Existing displays, such as a Pride crosswalk, the Royal Canadian Legion flag, and the Treaty 6 flag, are set to be removed in accordance with the bylaw.
A similar bylaw was passed earlier this year in the nearby town of Westlock, citing concerns about government promotion of specific groups.