A pizzeria in Steinbach has removed a sign that poked fun at the province’s controversial proposed anti-bullying law, Bill 18.
A sign was posted outside Rocco’s Pizzeria, along with four others around town, that stated ‘We don’t accept $18 bills’.
“It was meant as a play on words, just like all of our advertisements,” said Damian Penner.
Penner and his wife own the pizzeria in the city south of Winnipeg and tell Global News they have been receiving threats since the four signs went up a week ago.
“We’ve been called bigots. People have called and threatened us and our staff,” he said.
Some schools and religious groups have sent letters to the Selinger government claiming that Bill 18 infringes on religious freedoms.
The bill would force all schools, including religious facilities to accept gay-straight alliances which is meant to create a more inclusive environment but some community leaders say goes against their beliefs.
Penner said business went up 20 per cent while the signs were up but that money wasn’t worth hurting people.
Federal Conservative MPs have warned the bill could face constitutional challenges if passed as-is.
Education Minister Nancy Allan said last week that she’s open to discussing the bill despite having no plans to re-write the proposed legislation.
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