To the Editor:
I believe the citizen of our town are trying to make our community better, but we’re going in two different directions. Some of us don’t get the term, “Neutrality Bylaw,” because it seems exclusive, not neutral. “Neutrality is the quality or state of being neutral” or “the quality of not taking part in a quarrel, contest, or war.” The list of antonyms includes “biased” or “prejudiced.” (Gage)
Barrhead’s two crosswalks are presently lying flat and peacefully on Main Street. I don’t think they’re causing any traffic problems. But Town Council checked that out when they passed the bylaw allowing the painting of the crosswalks.
We now have two painted crosswalks adding colour and vibe to our downtown core. I haven’t heard of any problems related to them, except that some people don’t like them. There are also people who like and appreciate their presence. One of the “pride” crosswalks represents the 2SLBGTQ+ community. The other represents disabled people who live here.
The disabled and the 2SLBGTQ+ are two communities often overlooked, misjudged, or excluded. These sidewalks are an invitation by members and supporters to participate and feel more accepted and included in the community. They are people too.
I have loved ones who are part of the 2SLBGTQ+ community. They are fine people—talented, contributing members of our country and respective communities. They can be members of our families, communities, or places of school, work, worship, or recreation. The 2SLGBTQ+ people I’ve met are not “in-your-face gay,” lewd, or disruptive. (None of us should be acting inappropriately in public.) But we should, in this era, be able to respect, even love someone who isn’t completely like us.
The Barrhead Royal Canadian Legion and the Barrhead Accessibility Coalition had also petitioned Town Council to have their own crosswalk. The Barrhead Royal Canadian Legion was told by the Neutrality Committee that their crosswalk wouldn’t be allowed, “because it would serve the purpose of creating awareness for our veterans.”
Hello? Did anyone participate in a Remembrance Day Ceremony on Nov.11th or watch the proceedings at the National War Memorial in Ottawa? This service intentionally creates “awareness for our veterans.” We need reminders that these soldiers fought for our freedom. People died defending our freedoms, so they shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is why we continue to participate in Remembrance Day Ceremonies.
But this freedom isn’t just for you and me. It’s for everyone--be they disabled mentally and physically, be they different from us in sexual orientation, or be they of another race. Mental disability, sexual differences, or race aren’t lifestyle choices. This is the way that person’s body is. They still need to be morally responsible and live their best life, but so do we. They also need love, respect, and good opportunities in life—as we all do.
If a flag flying or a crosswalk lying offers encouragement or a welcome to someone, why would we remove it?
The Peace Prayer comes to mind, but I can only squeeze in the first two lines.
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your love.” 1
And here’s an old folky tune for all of us:
“Come on people now,
Smile on your brother.
Everybody get together
Try to love one another right now.
Sharon Espeseth
Town of Barrhead
