Watch the video above: Group calls on city to raise Olympic pride flag
SASKATOON – The Avenue Community Centre has issued a public letter to Saskatoon city council asking for the pride flag to be raised in city square during the Sochi Olympics in February.
The request will be discussed during Monday evening’s council meeting.
Many argue that Russia’s anti-propaganda law has tried to silence gay rights activists.
The pride flag raising is in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Olympians at the games.
“There are cities all over the country that are doing this. The provincial legislature is now doing this so we certainly wouldn’t be out of the ordinary,” said Ward 7 Councillor Mairin Loewen.
Loewen says that as long as there is no flag pole booking conflicts she supports the pride flag raising.
“I’ve had quite a few people contact me to ask if we’re going to do this,” she explained.
“We got together and put our heads together and wrote a letter on our Facebook page as a public call to the city,” said Rachel Walker, the Avenue Community Centre’s executive director.
Saskatchewan NDP leader Cam Broten came up against some opposition when he tweeted his approval of the pride flag going up at the Saskatchewan Legislature building on Saturday.
Some disagreed, saying politics are taking the spotlight away from athletes.
“When a city welcomes the world for the Olympics, it’s important to be inclusive and welcoming of all people of all countries and all backgrounds,” said Broten.
A request has been submitted to Regina city council to have a pride flag raised as well.
Other cities, like Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver have already raised the pride flag in protest of Russia’s law.
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