Calls for London to ban hate symbols after Confederate flags sighted
Calls are growing for the City of London to prohibit symbols of hate for public display.
This follows images of Confederate flags flying on London homes, which have been circulating on social media.
“Those symbols of hate singularly exist to remind people like me that we don’t belong,” said Moses Latigo Odida, a spokesperson for Black Lives Matter, London.
The group has launched an online petition calling on the city to enact a bylaw prohibiting symbols of hate like the Confederate flag, which is associated with the endorsement of slavery.
“We want the City of London to reflect all the public goodwill into real policy that tells Black people, that tells Indigenous people and people of colour, that we will tell the minorities of this city that the city has our backs,” said Latigo Odida. “Because at this point it doesn’t. You know it really sends tremors of fear among the Black people in this city, and minorities in this city, when a neighbour can very freely and proudly erect a symbol of hate.”
London NDP MPPs Peggy Sattler, Terence Kernaghan and Teresa Armstrong issued a statement condemning the Confederate flags that have been spotted flying on London homes.
Sattler said she’s troubled by what she has seen lately.
“The protest at Parliament Hill, the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection on the Capitol in Washington, people have become emboldened and feel that it’s okay to fly these symbols of white supremacy and symbols of hate. And we have to push back immediately.”
The city confirms it received a complaint about a Confederate flag on one property earlier this month.
A statement to CTV News from the office of Mayor Ed Holder says:
“We find the display, and all the flag represents, abhorrent. city bylaw officers received a complaint about the property on Feb. 7, and as part of the investigation, consulted with London Police Service. The flying of this flag does not contravene the Criminal Code, and therefore, beyond condemning the display, we’re unable to take further action.”
The city says any such bylaw introduction is best brought forward through a city councillor.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
