Pride flag stolen from Taber
While one Pride flag was raised in front of Lethbridge City Hall on Monday, members of the Taber Equality Alliance are mourning the loss of theirs.
Only one week after it was raised, the Pride flag has been stolen from the town flag pole in Confederation Park, behind the town’s administration building. The flag was raised on June 12 as part of the town’s first Pride Celebration Day. Taber police announced Monday the flag was reported stolen.
“We, as members of the Taber Equality Alliance are saddened by this seemingly senseless act of hate towards the LGBTQ+ community,” they said in a prepared statement. “This intolerance is unacceptable as this is not simply a theft of a flag, rather this flag is the symbol of a group of people who struggle for equality and safety in our community.”
“More precisely, this senseless act is an assault on the very personhood of LGBTQ+ individuals in our community,” the statement continues. “This act and the others as recently as last week in Lethbridge will not deter us from our continued love-inspired advocacy. Hate will not have the last word in our community of Taber. We reaffirm and resolutely stand for love — a love that includes everyone.”
About 250 people turned out for Taber’s celebration to advocate for and celebrate strides towards equality and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. The event was sponsored by Taber Equality Alliance, a not-for-profit dedicated to providing support for and fostering safe and inclusive space for people who identify as LGBTQ+.
The Pride flag was to be flown until the end of June.
Taber police say they are offering victims support and services. They have completed a forensic investigation at the scene and have identified persons of interest.
Police are asking anyone who has information or or who may have been present in the park from midnight to 3 a.m. on Monday to contact them at 403-223-8991.
“I am confident that this theft will not deter the Taber Equality Alliance from their activities in our Town,” said Taber Police Chief Graham Abela. “We support healthy and diverse communities, and work hard to make sure all feel safe. We will work diligently to apprehend those responsible.”
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