Comments opposing rainbow crosswalk anger Woolwich councillors

A Woolwich council meeting discussing a rainbow crosswalk on Monday led to offensive remarks angering several councillors.

Mayor Sandy Shantz asked the council for their opinion on a letter from the Canadian Mental Health Association asking council to consider installing a rainbow crosswalk in Elmira. 

Councillor Murray Martin disagreed with the idea, saying it was not in line with the town's values.

“God made a covenant with his people that he would not destroy the world again, and he gave them the rainbow,” Martin said. “Now we use that, and we trash it to promote a lifestyle that is not correct.” 

Several councillors quickly opposed Martin's remarks. 

“It's not a lifestyle, it's who they are, it's their identity,” Councillor Scott McMillan. “I don't think we can allow comments where we're calling people improper– or some other things that were said– to go unchallenged.”

Councillors Fred Redekop and Patrick Merlihan also shared their strong opposition to Martin's comments. 

“That was really offensive to me,” Merlihan said. “I have friends that identify in different ways than Councillor Martin. Our community, our values are inclusive.”

Mayor Sandy Shantz said she disagreed with the comments, but also defended Martin's ability to free speech. 

“I will acknowledge that Councillor Martin began his remarks by saying he doesn't hold any personal concern or dislike for that lifestyle. For that reason I let him carry on with his own understanding from his perspective, and we are all different, and we are all coming at it from different points of view.”

Following the meeting, Merlihan reiterated his disappointment with the comments, and added he was disappointed with Shantz's response. 

He also accused her of making remarks supporting Martin once cameras, and microphones were off. 

In a post on his website, Merlihan wrote, “Mayor Shantz turned to the councillor and said 'I appreciate and support what you are saying, and the sentiment. You just have to be careful how you say it. These people will eat you alive.'”

Merlihan is running for Mayor of Woolwich against Shantz this fall.

Shantz released a statement late Tuesday that said, “Upon reflection I apologize and regret not stopping the comments from Councillor Martin pertaining to the rainbow crosswalk. Woolwich prides itself on being a forward-thinking inclusive Township who invites and welcomes residents including those from the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”

The statement went on to say, “I have listened to the comments received from the community and I have taken time to speak and apologize to those who have been harmed by these comments. Again, I apologize and regret my actions from last night and want to reassure our community that we are a safe, diverse, inclusive, accepting and welcoming community. Woolwich is a community that is open to everyone, and the rainbow symbol is a beautiful expression of the diversity that exists within society and within each of us.”